Thelma Cooper

Thelma Theresa Cooper, was born on April 27, 1940, to Constance “Connie” Cooper and Leroy Dudley, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the second oldest of eight siblings; seven girls and one boy. She had a nurturing spirit from an early age, helping raise her younger siblings, while their mother worked long hours to help provide for the family. Thelma met William Cutchin and they went on to have three sons, William “Mitchell”, Jason “Aaron” and Steven. After Thelma and William separated, she met Sylvester Myricks and together they had a daughter, Sonja. After high school, Thelma furthered her education at New York City Technical College in Brooklyn, New York, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She went on to work as a case manager, a neonatal intensive care nurse, a home health aide, a hospice nurse and more. Thelma was a member of the New York Chapter of The Black Nurses Association, serving as President from 2007-2009, she also joined the Omega Chi Chapter of the Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated, a professional organization of registered nurses and nursing students, where she was able to fuel her passion for helping and serving the community through nursing. Although working twelve-hour shifts and raising her granddaughter, Tyra Myricks, Thelma never missed a meeting, conference or community service/outreach event. Thelma retired from New York Methodist Hospital in 2002. During her retirement, she worked at Ridgewood Bushwick as a teacher for home health aides, which enabled her to be recertified. She also joined the Golden Saints Ministry at Christian Cultural Center, in Brooklyn, New York. In 2009, Thelma moved to Dover, Delaware, and joined the Tau Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi. She served with the Beta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi at Delaware State University. After a long hard battle, Thelma was called home on August 28, 2020, fighting until the very end. She smiled and served others right up to her last days. Thelma was predeceased by her daughter, Sonja Myricks and son, Jason Cooper. Thelma is survived by her sons, William and Steven Cuthchin; grandchildren, David Littles, Zakia Slade, Andre Collins, Justin Collins, Melody Letlow, The’resa Letlow, Tyra Myricks, Juliette Cooper, William Patterson, Jessica Cooper, Jamie Cooper, Samantha Patterson and Ja’son Myricks; siblings, Marie Cooper, Sarah Richardson, Laurine Walker, Douglas Warren and Linda Warren; best friend, Carol Jenkins; and a host of great-grandchildren, friends, colleagues, sorors, nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed.

Thelma Cooper

April 27, 1940 - August 28, 2020