Mary Jane (Headrick) Cooper, of Oklahoma City, is now resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus following a courageous struggle that ended Wednesday evening, July 21, 2010. This sweet little lady was born November 9, 1945 in Enid to Dale Ross and Minnie (Jantz) Headrick. Mary was raised in the small town of Meno, Oklahoma, where she lived until the age of 14 when she moved to Holdenville. She graduated from Holdenville High School, where she received a sorority award for being the outstanding senior student. She lived in Moore for many years, worked as a dental hygienist and was a longtime member and bible school teacher at the Central Church of Christ. Mary's parents are both deceased. She is survived by two sons; Chris and his wife Amy of Thomasville, GA; and Jeff and his wife Barbara of Oklahoma City. The pride and joy of Mary's life were her 5 grandchildren: Andrew, Rachel, Nick, Ryan and Beth. Mary is also survived by 1 sister, Susan Sriver of Niles, Michigan; and 1 brother, Dale Headrick of Edmond; as well as many friends and acquaintances. Also surviving are her longtime special friends and guardians, Jack and Lawanna Cooper of Oklahoma City. Mary will best be remembered for her beautiful smile, her love for everyone and her love of beautiful flowers. She will be deeply missed, but we are comforted in knowing she has now received her special place in God's Kingdom. We would like to thank the nursing staff in the ICU units at Mercy and Select Specialty Hospitals in Oklahoma City for the loving care given to Mary in her time of need.A celebration of Mary's life will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, July 26th, at the John Ireland Funeral Home Chapel in Moore, Shawn Fowler officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M. at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Meno, OK. Services are under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home.

Published in The Oklahoman on July 25, 2010