Patricia A. Cooper

Patricia Ann Cooper was born in Wichita, Kansas, on March 27, 1964. She was adopted at birth by Johnie and Clotee Shears. Her adopted brother, Bob, was also adopted by the Shears. In 1973, Patricia was baptized at Progressive Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, under the pastorate of Rev. D.D. Miller. When Patricia’s adopted mother passed away, Leslie Henson continued to raise Patricia. She then gained an adoptive sister Joyce Henson-Mitchell. Patricia graduated in 1982 from Wichita Height High School, where she enjoyed being on the Debate Team. While a member of Progressive Baptist Church, Patricia participated in oratory contests at state conventions and would win 1st place! In 1983, after high school, she joined the Army and worked as a medical specialist. Patricia received an Army Service Ribbon as a Sharpshooter and a Qualification Badge for the M-16 Rifle. She loved to tell the story of how her army mates would say, “Don’t mess with Pat!” After serving in the armed services, Patricia attended and graduated from nursing school. She had a 30-year nursing career. In 1988, Patricia married Rev. Calvin Cooper, of Wichita, Kansas, and they relocated to Seattle, Washington, in 1990, where they joined Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. under Rev. A.B. Devers. While at Progressive MBC, she served as the Women’s Ministry Leader. She would coordinate the Women’s Retreats, which she loved doing! She also taught Vacation Bible School, served on the Trustee Board, and would assist whenever she could. Patricia was a great speaker. She would speak at Retreats, Annual Days, and various programs and events. In 2009 Patricia accepted her call to preach the Word of God. However, this was only a formality of what she already had been doing. Her current church membership was at Grace Placed Ministries, in Tacoma, WA. Patricia also enjoyed being a part of Pastor Tanny Jackson’s Fellowship Ministries, of Tacoma, WA, where she continued to teach God’s Word. Patricia received a 20-year recognition award from Judson Park Health Center where she was employed. She worked in the Assisted Living Unit at the center. She loved the residents and they loved her. Patricia also loved traveling, movies, and playing games. She was very competitive. Also, she enjoyed planning holiday family and friends’ events. Her Thanksgiving Dinner Gatherings were something we looked forward to each year. When Patricia relocated to Seattle, she discovered she had biological family members here! She also became an integral part of the Taylor family. In recent years, she became a beloved member of the Nalonga/Wani family. These families will never be the same without her, and she will be deeply missed Patricia leaves to mourn bio mother, Erma Mason, Los Angeles, CA; bio sister, Jeanetta Mason, Los Angeles, CA; bio aunts, Charlesetta Welch, Seattle, WA and, Ceily Mason-Thomas, Wichita, KS; bio cousin LaDon (Antonette) Johnson and children, Seattle, WA; adoptive sister, Joyce Henson-Mitchell, and children Wichita, KA; kinship sister Kathy Taylor (Curtis) and children, Seattle, WA; kinship sister, Margaret Nalonga, and children, Tacoma, WA. godchildren: Imani Taylor, Marcellis Dodson, Breona Devers, all of Seattle, WA; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

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