Barbara Loretta Cooper, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, transitioned peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at National Park Medical Center. She was born on February 11, 1957, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the youngest of seven children born to Frank and Pearl Jones-Cooper.

Barbara was known for her high spirits, kindness, and zest for life. She was a true connoisseur of good food, always seeking out the best restaurants' entrees and desserts, and loved sharing meals and laughter with family and friends. Her love for her family, especially her sisters, nieces, and nephews, was evident in every aspect of her life. Barbara cherished the simple joys: travel, games, and the warmth of close relationships. Her co-workers often became like family, and she was admired for her fashionable eyewear and unique sense of style.

A proud graduate of Hot Springs School District #6, Barbara completed her studies at Hot Springs High School in 1975. She began her college journey at Garland County Community College (now known as National Park College), preferring to stay close to home in her first year. She then attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) founded by former slaves. Barbara earned her degree in Criminal Justice, specializing in Parole and Probation, in 1979. During her time at Lincoln, she became a proud member of the Epsilon Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), forging lifelong sisterhood and service bonds.

After graduating, Barbara returned to her hometown to begin her career with Southwestern Bell, which would later become AT&T. Over more than 30 years, she held various roles, including management positions, and was respected for her dedication and leadership. Retirement was never a final chapter for Barbara. She embraced new opportunities, working with children at the Ouachita Children Center and later becoming an educational paraprofessional at her alma mater, Langston Elementary School. There, she was deeply admired and revered by both her colleagues and the students whose lives she touched. After more than a decade of service, Barbara retired once more in 2021—but she continued to give back to her community.

Barbara's commitment to service led her to the Emma Elease Webb Community Center, where she was elected to the Board of Directors. She poured countless hours into developing the center into a welcoming place for all, especially cherishing the weekly exercise program she helped lead. Her tireless work and generous spirit fostered a sense of belonging and joy for everyone who crossed her path.

She was preceded in death by above mentioned parents, sisters, Inez Milsap, Tostie "Dolly" Cooper, Nanette Scott, Charlene Cooper, and her brother Frank "Bubba" Cooper, Jr., and her beloved fur babies, Allie and Osker.

Barbara's legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to her family, and friends will be forever remembered by her sister, Willye Cooper-Martin, Hot Springs, AR; seven nieces, Regina Milsap, Hot Springs, AR, Angelique Martin-Calhoun, Rockwell, TX, Aprille N. Martin, Jacksonville, FL, Margaret Cooper, Portland, OR, Melissia Cooper, Hoover, AL, and Kourtni Washington and Kori Scott Hot Springs, AR; two nephews Keith Scott, Houston TX and Frank "Buzzy" Cooper, III, Hot Springs, AR a host of great nieces and nephews; special friends, Rosie Perry, The Golden Girls: Janice Davis, Mary Wilson, and Adriane Hines, Danielle Moody and Family (Milo) and her beloved Roxie.

The visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Carrigan Memorial Funeral Service. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Nazarene Baptist Church, 220 Silver Street, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.