Judith Ann Cooper

Judith Ann Cooper, 78, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023.  She was predeceased by her first husband of 27 years, Hayden H. Cooper; mother, Lois Beeney; and father, Jack Harrington.  Judith is survived by her second husband of 28 years, Jerry Keeton; three children, Steve (and Angela) Cooper, Philip Cooper, and Anna (and John) Donihoo; two stepchildren,

Tammy (and Kelley) Clark and Josh (and Christine) Keeton; and eleven grandchildren Alex, Aidan, Hayden, Savannah, Rowan, Mattie, Jessica (and Wes), Travis, Tori, Eli, and Lexi.  She also leaves behind three brothers Tom (and Norma) Harrington, Chris (and Lisa) Harrington, Tim (and Lana) Harrington, as well as nieces Mallory (and Jacob) Wortman, Haley Harrington, and

Kathryn Harrington.  Judith's reach was far and she will be missed by many extended family and friends.

Judith was known as a kind, compassionate, and generous soul.  She created a home of love and support for her three children, their friends, and any wayward animals that crossed her path.  Judith enjoyed caring for others, even Lambchop, the ornery and spoiled sheep she rocked in a rocking chair and bottle fed from birth.  She was an adventurous soul, always ready

for a trip around the world or to the beach with her grandchildren. Judith had a great appreciation for other cultures and at one point even took up the art of belly dancing. While in Egypt on a Nile River cruise she donned a bedlah and finger symbols and won first prize in a talent show! Following in her mother’s footsteps, she never turned down an opportunity for a motorcycle ride. She would tell you that the sound of a Harley made her heart beat fast.

During her 22-year career as a school counselor for the Garland Independent School District, she served countless children and families. During her first year at the Cooperative Behavior Center, she started a Christmas project that ensured all of the kids on her campus had gifts and food at Christmas. She coordinated that project until her retirement. She and her dog Cowgirl were well loved by the staff and students of the CBC until she retired and moved to Nacogdoches to be near family.

In retirement she continued her important work by homeschooling a grandchild through rough times, teaching Zentangle, quilting through the Austin Heights Baptist Church Prayers and Squares Ministry, and counseling families at Whole Again with the help of her dog Minnie. Throughout her life Judith nursed countless family members and friends through illness and old

age.  She will be greatly missed by those she has served and loved during her very full lifetime.

A memorial service will be held at Austin Heights Baptist Church (2806 Appleby Sand Rd, Nacogdoches, Texas) on Saturday, March 25 at 2 o’clock pm.  In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Hospice of East Texas (4111 University Dr, Tyler, Tx 75701, www.hospiceofeasttexas.org), Austin Heights Baptist Church (austinheightsbaptist.org), or a charity of your choice.