C. Bernard "Bernie" Cooper

C. Bernard “Bernie” Cooper, 86, of Hahira, GA passed away January 28th after a fall resulting in a brain injury. Bernie graduated from Morven High School, attended Valdosta State University and was a graduate of LSU’s School of Banking. He was a devout Christian, a member of Crossroads Baptist Church and The Branches Sunday School Class. He was an active community member in Lions, Rotary, and Elks Clubs. He was also a 50-year Mason. Bernie’s lifelong financial career in Georgia included the loan business from 1956-1970. His banking career included Vice-President of Mercantile National Bank in Atlanta, GA, President of Baker County Bank of Newton, GA, President of Bank of Quitman, forerunner to Ameris Bank in Quitman, GA, President of Security Exchange Bank in Marietta, GA, and retired member of the GA Bankers Association. Bernie was “PaPa” to three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
He was the devoted husband to Edna Wilson Cooper for 64 years and loving father to daughters, Joellen Cooper-Pyles (Victor Deen) of Savannah, Donna Cooper Dalton (Gene Peters) of Ray City; son, Cooper B. Cooper of Hahira; son-in-law Jimmy Morgan of Jennings, FL; sisters Lenelle Sherling, Laura Flythe (Charlie), of Valdosta; brother, Wayne Cooper (Gail); and brother-in-law, Billy (Nell) Folsom; a sister-in-law Jean Griffin. He was predeceased by daughter Judy Beth Morgan, sisters and brother-in-law, Catherine and Carlton Adams, Carol Folsom, brother Charles Cooper, and brother-in-law Julian Shierling. He is also predeceased by his parents Mabel and James Ellis Cooper of Brooks County, and parents-in-law John and Era Bennett Wilson of Valdosta.
Our family would also like to thank caregivers Miss Queen Rowe, Carol Brooks, and Yolanda Harris. We also want to thank the emergency and ICU teams of SGMC, Dr’s Piolus, Mackey and their teams, Nurses Jessie, Alanya and Denise whose care was above and beyond the call.
Services will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 2pm outside of the McLane Riverview Mausoleum Chapel with Reverend Matt Gay officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3-5pm at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of your choice, or the Rex Masonic Lodge #251 in Ellenwood, GA, 5230 Macon Hwy, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.