Shirley Kay Cooper

Shirley Kay Cooper, age 73, of Columbia, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on November 15, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Ms. Shirley was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her smile, kind spirit, generous heart, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her. She attended St. Luke United Methodist Church in Columbia. 

She was born on November 10, 1951, in Columbia, Tennessee, to the late Robert Lee Haywood and Mae Reeves Haywood. She attended Columbia Central High School. She was a seamstress at Weather Tamer coat factory in Columbia before it closed. Ms. Shirley retired from Maury Regional Medical Center as an Environmental Services Specialist in 2015. 

Ms. Shirley was supportive of her grandchildren as they grew up, watching their sporting and school events. She loved her precious dog, Smokey, who also loved her dearly. Her hobbies included watching television series like Yellowstone and sports (Atlanta Braves, University of Tennessee Vols, the Kansas City Chiefs, and racing). 

 Her legacy continues through her son and grandchildren. Ms. Shirley is survived by her son, Korey (Suzanne) Cooper, granddaughter, Katlyn Cooper, and grandson, Seth Cooper, all of Columbia. She is also survived by her brother, Mike Haywood, and sister-in-law, Sandra Haywood. She has several surviving cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Linda Tomlin, and brothers, William “Sonnie” Haywood, Harold Haywood, Bobby Joe Haywood, Johnny Haywood, and Clarence “Toodlem” Haywood. 

A Celebration of Life for Shirley will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The family will visit with family and friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a memorial service commencing at 1:00 PM at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 606 Santa Fe Pike Columbia, TN. Pastor Sharp will be the honorable officiate.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Shirley Cooper to the Columbia Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program at Venmo (@CPDshopwithacop24) or Cash App ($ShopwithacopCPD) or to St. Luke United Methodist Church at 606 Sante Fe Pike, Columbia, TN 38401.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff at Maury Regional Hospital’s Cardiac Stepdown (1st floor) and Orthopedics (6th floor), the nurses and staff at Life Care Center of Columbia, and the nurses and staff of Caris Hospice. 

The care of Ms. Shirley and her family has been entrusted to the staff of Williams Funeral Home. To share words of comfort and condolences, please visit www.williamsfh.com.