Sylvia Gilstrap Cooper

Sylvia Gilstrap Cooper, age 85 of Chestnut Mountain, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 12, 2015.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, August 14, 2015 at 1:00pm at Chestnut Mountain Baptist Church with Reverend Phil Carpenter and Reverend Jeff Benefield officiating. Interment will follow in Chestnut Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Cooper will lie in state at the church from 12:30-1:00pm prior to the funeral service. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 13, 2015 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at the funeral home.

Mrs. Cooper was born March 3, 1930 in Gainesville, GA to the late John and Mattie Rider Gilstrap. She was a member of Chestnut Mountain Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years and sang in the choir. She loved her Jesus Now Sunday School Class. Mrs. Cooper was a graduate of Lyman Hall School in 1946 and received her Associate’s Degree from the Perry Business School. Mrs. Cooper served as the Hall County Clerk of Commissioners from 1965-1992. She served as a board member for Hall County Credit Union and served on the board for Hall County DFACS.

After retirement, Mrs. Cooper enjoyed traveling to each state in the continental United States, returning with a souvenir for each family member. She enjoyed collecting dolls, having pet English Bulldogs and enjoyed all seasons of life. She made every holiday special for her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Cooper was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Frank Cooper; her brothers, Earl Gilstrap, Boyd Gilstrap and Billy Gilstrap. She is survived by her son, Jackie Cooper of Chestnut Mountain; son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Wanda Cooper of Chestnut Mountain; grandchildren and spouses, Jeana and Kyle Patterson, Jaclyn and Matt Crow, Jessica and Kevin Sturm and Jody Cooper all of Chestnut Mountain; great-grandchildren, Brantley and Kaylie Patterson, Donnie and Tanner Hensley, Luke Sturm and another due in March; sister, Nell Gilstrap Norris of Gainesville and also a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.