Obituary of Virginia Walker Cooper

Virginia Walker Cooper, 77 of Abingdon and formerly of Bedford, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2015 at the Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. Virginia was born in Bedford, VA on July 29, 1937 to George and Louise Walker. She graduated from Huddleston High School as the class salutatorian in 1956, after which she took a medical correspondence course. Upon receiving her certification, she worked at Bedford County Memorial Hospital in the medical records department. On January 14, 1966, she married Robert Neville Cooper, Jr. (Bob). Bob and Virginia settled in Abingdon, VA, where Virginia’s focus was on raising their two sons. She was devoted not only to her family, but also her community, and worked tirelessly to make her community a better place. She served on the PTA at E.B. Stanley Elementary school and was co-president of Abingdon High School’s PTA. Virginia was a proud member of Abingdon United Methodist Church; some of her many contributions there include participating in the handbell choir, serving as president of the United Methodist Women, and being a member of the Lake Perry Wesley Circle, whose mission is to help people locally and in foreign countries. Virginia was very civic-minded, and community life improvement was one of Virginia’s biggest causes. She was a member of her local chapter of the Extension Homemakers Club, whose goal is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through education and leadership development. Virginia also served as the president of the Washington County Extension Homemakers Club, which comprises several local chapters. In 1990, Virginia was awarded the Southwest Virginia Volunteer Recognition Committee’s Governor’s Award for Volunteering Excellence. One of Virginia’s biggest contributions to the town of Abingdon was her work on the Highlands Playstation, a community-built playground at the Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center. She was one of three coordinators on that project, and her work in recruiting and managing volunteers was a vital part of the resulting beautiful playground that is enjoyed by the town’s children. Virginia will be especially remembered for her devotion to her family, friends, and community. She is survived by her husband, Bob Cooper; son, Robert Neville Cooper III and his wife, Sheela; son, George Alton Cooper (Al) and his wife, Kristie; grandchildren, Asha Rao Cooper, Kieran Robert Cooper, Patrick Fitzhugh Cooper, and Jacquelyn Lenahan Cooper; brother, George Landon Walker and his wife, Judy; and numerous other family members and close friends. Virginia was predeceased by her father, George Washington Walker, and her mother, Louise Webber Walker. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 5th at 2 pm at Abingdon United Methodist Church. A graveside service, arranged by Updike Funeral Home, will take place on Monday, July 6th at 11 am in Bedford, VA at the Walker Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Abingdon United Methodist Church, 101 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210. The family extends special thanks to the hospice and medical staff at Johnston Memorial Hospital, as well as to all of the friends who supported them during their time of need.