Barbara (Bonnie) Sue Cooper, beloved wife of Robert, stepmother, and sister passed away peacefully in Dallas on June 26, 2023 after a long, courageous battle with multiple health issues.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Victor and Irene Callingham, Bonnie was the youngest of 4 siblings and the only one to be born in the United States after her family emigrated from England.  Her formative years were spent in Phoenix.   She graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson, with both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education.  Her emphasis was on special needs children.

Barbara devoted her life to a career in special needs education and administration, teaching in Arizona, Texas, and Washington State. Her passion continued with her active engagement in the Special Olympics.  She organized events, coached athletes, took great joy in seeing athletes compete, and celebrating their accomplishments.

Barbara enjoyed fishing and boating throughout the states with her husband, Robert.  One of their favorite fishing spots was Puget Sound.  When she wasn't boating, she enjoyed performing with her church's hand bell choir in Sequim, Washington.  She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Denison, serving on the session and leading fellowship activities.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cooper, sister Pam Villers, stepsons Robert, Jeffrey, and Craig Cooper. Barbara is survived by her brother Peter Callingham (Katherine), stepdaughter and caregiver Carolee Cooper, and numerous nieces, nephews, and step grandchildren.

The Cooper and Callingham families wish to thank the doctors, nurses, and medical staff of UT Southwestern Clements University Hospital, Texoma Medical Center, Texoma Healthcare Center, Home Instead for their excellent, loving care the last two years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Special Olympics Texas.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be Sunday, July 16, during services at the First Presbyterian Church of Denison, 213 N. Burnett Ave.