Etta Mae Cooper

How do you fit 78 years into a few paragraphs? Writing my mother’s obituary has been the single most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do. Her story was not one of a celebrity, a philanthropist or a business tycoon; however to me, her story is everything.  ~ Reginal Charles Russell 

Etta Mae Cooper (78), affectionately known as "Nanny" by those who loved her most, passed away on June 2nd, 2026 in Lake City, Florida at 12:53pm. Born on August 11, 1947, in Beaumont, Texas, to the late James Popper Cooper and the late Mary Lena Cooper. Etta Mae lived a life defined by her devotion to Jehovah God, resilience and with an unwavering love for her family.

Etta Mae grew up in Beaumont Texas surrounded by a host of family and lifelong friends. One of which was her best friend, Loretta Richard whom she has been friends with since meeting each other in the 50’s at Blanchette Elementary School in Beaumont Texas (circa 1955). Growing up in Beaumont was an amazing experience as both sides of her family (Levine’s and Cooper’s) grew up alongside her were aunts, uncles and enough cousins to create a new zip code.  Beaumont was a great place to live. Etta Mae graduated in 1965 from Hebert High School, a prominent historically black high school in Beaumont.  She had aspirations of becoming a nurse. While working alongside her at Mr. Hotdog was another one of her good friends and fellow graduate of Hebert, Harriet Brown. They often talked and day dreamed of living in a big city and living the life of independent women with jobs in the medical field. 

Etta Mae fulfilled that dream and lived independently from 1967 until January 1969 when she gave birth to her only child (Reginal Russell) with the late Joseph Paul Russell Sr. After the birth of her son, she continued to work and take night classes to further her education before leaving to seek residency in Dallas, Texas in August 1974 after her 27th birthday. Dallas did not suit her as the pace was way too fast for her and a young child; however, with a majority of relatives who lived in nearby Fort Worth Texas, mainly her uncle’s Sydney and Lawrence (Junior) Levine and their families, she made a decision to relocate there. A few months later she moved to Fort Worth, Texas after retaining employment as a bookkeeper and secretary for Bill’s Salvage Company. Etta Mae was a hard and dedicated worker who brought a ray of sunshine to that business, so much that the owner of the company and his wife, Jean gifted her their used Lincoln Continental so she didn’t have to catch the city bus to get around town. Even after she obtained employment at Texas State Optical (TSO), Bill and Jean remained close friends until their sunset.  She worked at TSO until 1978, where she met a host of new friends and a bunch of Dallas Cowboys players, which made her a fan for life. It was also in 1978 that she got sick and had to return to Beaumont under the care of her parents. 

 From 1978-1983 she suffered with issues involving her pancreas which left her hospitalized; however, in 1984, after successfully recovering from her health issues she went back to work as a dental assistant for Dr. William Wormley, D.D.S. of Beaumont. She thoroughly enjoyed working again, however in 1986 had to retire medically due to health issues and concerns along with her doctor’s recommendation. Although no longer able to maintain full time employment, she, from 1986-2025 assisted in raising several generations of nieces and nephews to include great and even great greats. This was her truest vocation, being a mother and grandmother figure. She educated children in her care on the importance of focusing on life lessons and taught it was always better to be kind rather than bitter. 

Etta Mae was deeply devoted to Jehovah and his son Jesus Christ. She faithfully served in kingdom work educating and encouraging others to seek out God and live as an example of God’s grace not as an example of what the absence of his grace can mean. Her kindheartedness, her unwavering spirit for serving the Lord made a lasting impact on countless lives.

 Although she could be very stubborn, she was usually the first person to offer support, encouragement or a warm meal to bridge the tension between people. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, peace and love. Her influence will be felt for generations to come. She received the affectionate moniker “Nanny”, and until this day she is only known as Nanny by the children whom she had a hand in raising. 

Etta Mae joins in eternal rest her parents, father, James Popper Cooper and mother, Mary Lena Cooper, brothers: James Cooper, Jr., Melvin Louis Cooper Sr., Donald Joseph Cooper, Sr. and sister, Betty Lois Cooper.

She is survived by her son, Reginal Charles Russell and his wife Mary Russell, grandson Reginal James Russell, Sister Mary Jane Cooper, Brothers Benjamin Ray Cooper and Steven Edward Cooper, along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

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