Lela Cooper

Lela Cooper, 78, of Milford, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on February 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her life was one of service, strength, intelligence, faith, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear. Graveside services will take place at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at New Woodbury Cemetery in Woodbury. A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the cemetery before the service.

Born on February 28, 1947, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lela grew up with a curious mind and determined spirit. From an early age, she possessed a deep love of learning and an exceptional intellect that became one of her defining traits. That sharp mind, paired with her quiet confidence and steady nature, guided her throughout a life filled with meaningful work, community involvement, and steadfast love for her family.

Lela devoted more than 20 years to the United States Postal Service, faithfully serving as a postmaster until her retirement. She approached her career with dedication, integrity, and pride, earning the respect of colleagues and community members alike. She believed in doing things well and in serving others with reliability and care.

In addition to her own career, Lela worked faithfully alongside her husband, Bobby, helping with his business for nearly 50 years. She was not only his partner in marriage but also in work-offering support, organization, encouragement, and wisdom. Together they built not only a livelihood, but a life grounded in perseverance, commitment, and shared purpose.

Her commitment to service extended beyond her professional life. In her younger years, Lela proudly served as a member of the Milford Volunteer Fire Department, demonstrating courage and dedication to her neighbors. She also devoted countless hours to the Milford Cemetery Association, where she led improvement projects that reflected her deep respect for history and her desire to preserve the dignity of her community.

Lela was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Milford, where her faith remained a guiding light throughout her life. Her relationship with the Lord shaped her values, strengthened her through life's challenges, and influenced the compassion she showed to others. She lived her faith quietly but faithfully, offering encouragement, kindness, and prayerful support to those around her.

A lifelong lover of knowledge and history, Lela was a published author of a genealogy book, a labor of love that reflected her dedication to preserving family heritage. She believed that stories matter and that understanding where we come from strengthens the generations that follow. Her research and writing stand as a lasting gift to her family.

While she accomplished much publicly, it was in the simple rhythms of everyday life that Lela's character shone brightest. She was an avid reader who could often be found with a book in hand, always eager to learn something new. She enjoyed knitting and cross stitching, creating beautiful handmade pieces that her family will treasure for generations. Each stitch reflected her patience, creativity, and love.

Her remarkable intelligence became legendary among family and friends. Game nights were never quite fair-no one could beat her at Trivial Pursuit. Her quick recall, broad knowledge, and subtle wit made those evenings joyful and unforgettable. She welcomed challenges and met them with grace and quiet confidence.

Above all, Lela was devoted to her family. She shared 54 loving years of marriage with her husband, Bobby Cooper, who preceded her in death. Their life together was built on partnership, shared faith, resilience, and enduring love.

She is lovingly remembered by her three children: her son John Cooper and his wife, Karen; her daughter Karen Sparks and her husband, Clay; and her son Dennis. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Rowan Ullman and her husband, Calvin; Regan Cooper; and Jamie Jackson. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy and pride.

Lela's home was a place of warmth, wisdom, and steady comfort. She offered guidance without judgment, love without condition, and strength without complaint. Her legacy of faith, service, intelligence, creativity, devotion, and love of history will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and in the community she cared for so deeply.

Though she will be deeply missed, we find peace in knowing her faith carried her home, and that her love remains with us always.