Barbara Rietema Cooper

 Mrs. Barbara Therese Rietema Cooper, 83, of Laws Hill, TN passed peacefully in her home on Monday, August 12, 2024. Barbara was born January 23, 1941, in Patterson, New Jersey to late parents John Warren and Helen Heller Rietema and was the only child. Barbara was a retired Special Education Teacher and spent 25 years teaching special education students at Connely Middle School, Marshall County High School, and spent her last 2 years teaching “Home Bound” students. Barbara also taught adult education classes to adults across Marshall County for 10 years. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Douglas Leamon Cooper Sr.

Barbara graduated college in Boca Raton, FL with a teaching certificate before later moving to Tennessee. She attended MTSU where she obtained her Tennessee Teachers Degree, and her Masters Degree in Special Education. 

Barbara enjoyed Elvis Presley, her daily soap operas, reading, and her family. 

In addition to her husband and her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Dana Cooper Norwood, grandson Douglas Cooper III, and special dog CoCo. 

Barbara is survived by her two sons Douglas Cooper Jr., Dean (Regina) Cooper, and her daughter Dawn (Dale) Lovins. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren Dena (Chris) Bivins, Aaron (Tiffany) Nunley, Heath (Teri) Nunley, Alan (Destiny) Cooper, Shannan (Colton Wilson) Holton, Shelby (Zach) Richards, Hanna Lovins, Jody (Rhonda) Norwood, David (Misty) Norwood, Eric Norwood, and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 15, 2024 from10am – 3pm at Lawrence Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow visitation at 3pm with Brent Haley and Thomas Haynes. The burial will be at Swanson Cemetery

 Lawrence Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 203 South Horton Pkwy, Chapel Hill, TN (931) 364-2233 is in charge of arrangements.