Bishop Joseph P. Cooper Sr.

Joseph Philip Cooper, Sr. was born in Houston, Delaware, to the late George and Edna Cooper, on Easter Sunday morning, April 17, 1927. He obtained his education in the Delaware Public School System. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army, in 1946. During his service in the military, he was deployed to Saipan after World War II. Joseph Cooper was honorably discharged from the military in 1948, after completing his duties and returned to Delaware, where he enrolled in Delaware State College. He attended four years and graduated in 1952, with his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. After 35 years in numerous roles within Civil Services, he retired May 29, 1987. Upon obtaining his degree, Joseph moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and resided with his Sister, Lula and brother- in-law, Joseph Rollins, for a short time. During his stay, the Lord began dealing with him, and he started to think seriously about salvation. In 1952, Joseph was compelled to return home to Delaware, where he was invited to the First Born Church of God in Christ, in Camden, Delaware. He accepted the Lord as his personal Savior, became a member, and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Soon after, he was appointed to the office of Deacon. While serving the Lord, Deacon Cooper married the love of his life, the late Gloria Irene Saulsbury, on July 12, 1957. To this happy union six children were born, Joseph Jr., Wayne, Patricia, Michael, James and Kenneth. First Born Church of God in Christ went through significant changes, but Deacon Cooper never ceased working for the Lord. He faithfully served in various capacities. He accepted the call to Pastor and was appointed in 1965, by the late Bishop Clarence Cartwright, Sr. The Lord blessed the church and began to enlarge the ministry. In 1976, Pastor Cooper became gravely ill. It was during his illness that the Lord gave Pastor Cooper a vision and showed him how the church would flourish. The Lord healed him, and the vision manifested almost immediately. The church was renamed Emmanuel Pentecostal Church of God, meaning God is with us. Pastor Joseph P. Cooper, Sr. was ordained Bishop in 1975, and served faithfully in the body of Christ as General Secretary of the Pentecostal Church of God, Inc., under Bishop N.S. Heastie, from 1962 until 1990. In 1991, after the passing of Bishop Heastie, Bishop Cooper was installed as General Overseer of the Pentecostal Church of God, Inc. In 1992, Bishop Cooper attended the International Bible School, where he obtained his certificate in Bible and Ministerial Studies. After 22 years as General Overseer of the Pentecostal Church of God, Inc., Bishop Cooper resigned in August 2013. He continued to lead his flock of 52 years until the appointed time came to hand over the mantle. Through the years, he endured much and overcame many obstacles. His deep compassion and generosity were reflected in his ministry as a pastor. He continued to be consistent in season and out of season, showing forth the signs and wonders that were promised to those that believed. His ministry was intricately linked to the success of the next generation. Bishop Cooper was affectionately called the Pastor of Pastors, a confidant, a mentor, and a father to many. Bishop was a humanitarian whose endeavors to support those in distress went beyond Delaware. Bishop Cooper was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edna Cooper; his loving wife of 57 years, Gloria Cooper; Bishop John Cooper (brother); Lula Rollins and Rae Marshall (sisters); James Tyrone, Jr. (grandson) and Joseph E. Cooper (special nephew). He leaves to cherish his memories: Joseph Cooper, Jr. (Katrina) Clayton, DE, Wayne Cooper, Sr. (Patricia) New Castle, DE, Patricia Floyd, Greensboro, NC, Michael Cooper, Magnolia, DE, James Cooper, Sr. (Andrea), Dover, DE and Kenneth Cooper, Camden, DE. He leaves behind a host of grandchildren great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews; sisters-in-law, Lula Cooper, Sylvia Saulsbury and Ann Saulsbury; godchildren, Leetress Burris and Phillip Lake; special son, Captain Freddie McSears, Jr.; and the Emmanuel Pentecostal Church of God, Inc. family. Loving submitted the Family.

Bishop Joseph P. Cooper Sr.

April 17, 1927 - October 11, 2020