Hazel Estelle Cooper

Hazel Estelle Brockett-Cooper, the wife of the late Floyd H. Cooper, Sr. was born to the late Brindle Alonzo and Rosetta Wilson-Brockett on May 12, 1935 in Princess Anne County, now Virginia Beach, Virginia. She attended the public school system in Princess Anne County. At an early age she accepted Christ, was baptized, and joined Little Piney Grove Baptist Church. As a lifelong member of Little Piney Grove, she served in numerous ministries, including the Senior Choir, LPG Gospel Choir, Benevolence (Chairperson), Women’s Ministry, and the Wisdom and Grace Senior Ministry (WAGS).

Hazel was employed as a domestic engineer for over 50 years. She worked for various families, including Dr. Harry G. Plunkett (Barbara), Dr. Louis Jordan, Sr. (Shirley), Dr. William Warden (Sandy), as well as the Hinkle and Broughton families.

Hazel was affectionately known to most as Mama, Ma, Grandma, Ms. Hazel, and Ms. Cooper. She enjoyed daily scripture readings and prayer. Hazel was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, and many times could be found watching her favorite soap operas (The Young & The Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and more recently Beyond the Gates) and game shows (Cash Cab and Family Feud). She valued moments shared with the people she held dear and loved talking on the phone with her sister Shirley and friends. Hazel found joy in traveling and cruising alongside her family. She was famous for her pound cake, apple cake, sweet potato pie, and pancakes. Her love, devotion, and dedication to her family fostered a close-knit and loving environment that will continue for generations to come.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Inez Brockett-Fisher, and brothers Henry A. “Buddy” Brockett and Melvin L. Brockett; brothers-in-law Richard Cooper, and Albert and Jack Cooper, whom she raised as her sons; sister- in-law Addie Cooper.

Hazel lived a rewarding and peaceful life and will be greatly missed by her children: Mildred Miller (Lesley), Valerie Wingate (Tom), Herman “Roy” Brockett (Brenda), Patricia Cowen (Larry), Rose Cooper (Kip), Lisa Cooper-Lewis (Johnnie), and Floyd H. Cooper, Jr. (Carol); grandchildren: Lamont, Chris (Joann), Angela, Carla (Kimbie), Ricole (Kari), Kristy, Krystal (Kevin), LaToya (Brett), Brandon (Kyra), LaTesha (Steven), LaFonda (Andre), La Dayasia (Brandon), Devonia, Devon (Rahlyah), and Tisha; 25 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Brockett-Hughes (Leon); sisters-in-law: Ernestine Cooper, Alice Cooper, and Cheyenne Brockett; bonus daughters Tracy Fisher-Perry, Shafron “Shawn” Williams (Derek), Janet Smith, LaFre “Yvette” Hall, Sabrina “Goldie” Gittens, Sonya Paige-Kirkwood, Karen Stallings (Bernie), Roberta Hall, Cynthia Smith (Al), and Helen Plunkett-Ziff (Charles); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her fellow golden girls: Velma Brockett and Virginia Kingsberry.