H 5605  Resolution, By White, Thayer, Gagnon, W.Cox, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, 
Atkinson, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, 
Blackwell, Bradley, Brawley, Brown, Bryant, Burns, Calhoon, Caskey, Chellis, 
Chumley, Clary, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Collins, B.Cox, Crawford, 
Daning, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Forrester, 
Fry, Funderburk, Garvin, Gilliam, Gilliard, Govan, Haddon, Hardee, Hart, 
Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, 
Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hyde, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kimmons, 
King, Kirby, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mace, Mack, Magnuson, Martin, Matthews, 
McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, McKnight, Moore, Morgan, D.C.Moss, V.S.Moss, 
Murphy, B.Newton, W.Newton, Norrell, Oremus, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pope, 
Ridgeway, Rivers, Robinson, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G.M.Smith, 
G.R.Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thigpen, 
Toole, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, Whitmire, R.Williams, S.Williams, 
Willis, Wooten and Yow
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH
 CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MELBA IRENE BLACKMON
 COOPER OF PIEDMONT AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY
 FRIENDS.
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   09/22/20  House  Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 88)

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MELBA IRENE BLACKMON COOPER OF PIEDMONT AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Melba Irene Blackmon Cooper of Piedmont on September 18, 2020, at the venerable age of ninety-seven; and

Whereas, born on September 12, 1923, Melba Irene Blackmon Cooper was the only daughter of the late Irvin B. and Naomi B. Blackmon. The young Melba grew up in Lancaster during the Great Depression; and

Whereas, in preparation for her career, she attended Winthrop College, where she earned her bachelor's degree, followed by a master's degree in education from Clemson University; and

Whereas, as a young teacher, Melba moved to Piedmont for her first job and found lodging at the teachers' boarding house on Hotel Hill. While in Piedmont, she met a young merchant with the curious nickname "Dolly," who had just returned to his childhood home from World War II. M.J. "Dolly" Cooper and Melba were married on June 15, 1947; and

Whereas, Melba continued to teach until her first child was born and then stayed home to raise all four of her children before returning to the classroom at Wren Middle School. She taught until she retired; and

Whereas, further, this woman of faith was an active member of Piedmont First Baptist Church, a member of the WMU, and a member of Piedmont Book Club until she was unable to attend; and

Whereas, predeceased by her husband, as well as by her brother Erskine, Melba Cooper leaves to cherish her memory her children, Bob (Ellie), Beth, Tim (Kathy), and Dan (Missy). In addition, she was "Mema" to six beloved grandchildren, Robert (Amanda), Jennifer (Brian), Rachel, J.T., Leanne, and Daniel; and four beloved great-grandchildren, Gavin, Kristin, Brianna, and Reagan. She also leaves her brother Gene (Imogene). Mrs. Cooper created a legacy through her family and the many students she taught at Piedmont, Sue Cleveland, and Wren. She will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Melba Irene Blackmon Cooper of Piedmont and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bob Cooper for the family.