Johnny Gene Cooper

Brother Johnny Gene Cooper was 68, and departed this life Sunday January 31, 2021 in Florence County. He was the father ofJonathan Wayne Cooper, the brother of Deloris Weaver

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel on Wednesday February 10, 2021 at 11:00 am.

~ Life Reflections ~

Mr. Johnny Gene Cooper, the son of the late Johnny Owens and Lillie Reaves Cooper, was born (according to his mother) on December 25, 1952 in Marion, South Carolina.  He slept peacefully away on Sunday morning, January 31, 2021 at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Florence, South Carolina.

Johnny was educated in the public schools of Marion County. He attended Florence Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC, where he received a certificate as a Machine Operator. He was employed at Marion Industry as a Machine Operator for many years; also, at Russell Stover Candie and Marion Lumber Company. 

When his mother’s health started to decline, he moved back in with her.  For many years, he provided for her care, prepared her meals, as well as assisted her with other daily activities. Gene, as he was affectionately called, loved to fish. He spent many days with his mom sitting on the fish bank talking about “not much.”  Gene was a man of few words and only made conversation when necessary.  His Mama was his world, she would say “Johnny Gene you need to Pray” his response “Mama I’m Praying.” Conversation over.  He was indeed a “Mama’s Boy.”

Gene was a member of the Greater Fork Chapel AME Church where he sung on the Young Adult’s Choir.  What folks didn’t know “Gene really could sing.”

Johnny Gene was a son, brother, father, grandfather, and cousin to many.  He leaves to cherish his loving and lasting memories: one sister, Deloris Cooper Weaver, Sumter, SC; his one and only son, Jonathan Wayne Cooper (whom he loved dearly), Marion SC; three grandchildren, Justice, Joslyn and Jonate Cooper all of Marion, SC. Matriarch of the family Margaret Paige whom he enjoyed swing dancing with every chance he got (just to aggravate her) with or without music; two special friends Ms. Beverly Claridy, a dear friend and helper, and Mrs. Renee Carmichael, a Certified Nursing Assistance, his caregiver and friend during his illness; and a host of relatives and friends.

Gene always lived his life as he saw fit, never hurting anyone in anyway.  He was a peaceful, kind, generous and loving person.  He will be greatly missed, because as he would’ve said. “He was Good People.”

The family of Brother Johnny Cooper in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state and local community, has decided to hold a private 50 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Cooper family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly and those with chronic  health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

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