Nelda Jean Cooper

Nelda Jean Hardison Cooper, 88, of Groves passed away on Monday, June 15, 2020 at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 30, 1931 to her parents, James Allen Hardison and Zula Belle Williams Hardison in Ennis, Texas. Nelda graduated from Marlin High School and Port Arthur Business College. She met her husband, Elvin while attending Port Arthur Business College. She worked  at Standard Brass and he worked at Price and Company. After they were married, they opened and operated Cooper’s Automotive in Groves for several decades. Nelda was a member of the Aurora Sertoma for over 50 years, member of the Desk and Derrick Club and a longtime member of Park Central Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Jewell Harris and Betty Jo Tacker, her brothers, James Wyman Hardison, James Allen Hardison, Jr. and John Henry Hardison, her husband, Elvin D. Cooper, Jr.

Nelda is survived by her daughters, Cathy Cooper and her significant other, Mark Solis of Groves, Karen Harrell and her husband, John of Vidor, her son, Randall Cooper of Beaumont along with 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 from 5 PM till 8 PM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. Service to honor Nelda’s life will be at 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 17, 2020 in the Thompson Memorial Chapel at Clayton Thompson. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.