Wanda Jean Cooper

Wanda Jean Cooper passed away on February 4, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas surrounded by family and friends. She was born on March 20, 1935 in Ballinger, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Christine Blaschke. She is survived by her devoted husband Marshall and children Allen Cooper, Rodney Cooper and wife Gayle; Pam Thomure and husband Craig. Wanda's joy in life was her grandchildren Amanda Wheeler and husband Randy; Kalyn Carter and husband Ronnie; Ross Parkman; Mason Parkman and wife Marissa; and seven great grandchildren. Wanda attended the University of Texas for a few years then returned to Odessa to marry the man of her dreams. She dedicated her life to supporting Marshall in his work at Girlstown, U. S. A. for twenty-three years as they provided a safe and loving home to hundreds of girls from across the United States. At Girlstown she was responsible for administrative duties including raising funds by coordinating style shows, holiday parties and Open Houses. Her favorite annual project was helping secure sponsors to assure that every girl had a new coat and shoes for Christmas. While at Girlstown, Wanda became "First Lady" to Marshall while he served as a Director for Lions Clubs International. Together they enjoyed traveling around the world to spread the mission and service of Lions Club. In 1987 the Coopers moved to Beaumont, Texas where Wanda worked ten years as an HR Specialist for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The highlight of her career was becoming the Volunteer Coordinator for the Community Partners Board where she worked with Laura Bush to create nine Rainbow Rooms throughout Region 5. These "Rainbows with a Pot of Gold" made it possible for CPS Case Managers to get supplies and toys for children in crisis situations. Wanda received many accolades for her hard work and commitment to serving children. She is a recipient of the Governor's Award for Outstanding Women in Texas Government, the Freda McVay Service Award, an honorary member of Beta Sigma Phi Council for 18 Texas Chapters and the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest form of recognition by Lions Club International. Upon retirement in 2005, Wanda and Marshall moved back to Lubbock to be closer to grandchildren. She spent her final years at Carillon Senior Living Community with Marshall. The family would like to give special recognition to the care teams at Carillon "I'm Still Here" Memory Care Program and Hospice of Lubbock. A memorial service will be held in her honor at Calvary Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas on February 18, 2025, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to the Texas Lions Camp, https://www.lionscamp.com/ or Beaumont Community Partners Rainbow Room, https://www.beaumontrainbowroom.org/donations

Wanda Jean Cooper

March 20, 1935 - February 4, 2025