Debra Jo Cooper
Age 64, of Lansing, MI, passed away November 13, 2021. Debra was born in Lansing, MI on August 26, 1957, the daughter of Howard and Vada Wood.
Debra retired from General Motors in 2008. She loved gardening, spending time in her yard, and watching the birds outside her window. She loved the times she spent at her family cottage at Otsego Lake where she spent her time fishing and on the beach. She was a fan of the Michigan State Spartans and loved to watch them on TV. Debra loved animals, especially her dog Karma. More than anything, she loved her family and friends and spending time with them.
Debra is survived by her mother, Vada Wood; her two brothers, Douglas (Chris) Wood and Steven (Jane) Wood; her two sisters, Pamela (Mark) Verleger and Suelynn Kloeckner; her three children, Aubry Cooper, Erica (Eric) Luna, and Justin (Michelle) Cooper; 9 grandchildren, Antonio, Ariana, Charlie, JJ, Ella, Christifor, Dayton, Kyjah, and Koah; and her beloved dog, Karma.
She was preceded in death by her father Howard Wood.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 22, 2021, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel with Pastor Wesley B. Emerson officiating.
Anyone wanting to make a donation in memory of Debra Jo Cooper can make it to the Ingham County Animal Shelter.
Debra will be missed by all who knew her.
22 Messages to “Debra Jo Cooper”
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Anne Higgins
November 15, 2021 at 3:13 pmWe loved Debbie so much and will miss her beyond words. Our Love and Prayers are with y’all.
Lee, Charles, and Anne Higgins
Maggie and Bud Hilliard
November 15, 2021 at 6:29 pmGod bless the Cooper family in the loss of their much loved mom. Thinking of you with our prayers.
Paulette Rogers
November 16, 2021 at 10:32 amDebbie will be so missed such a great listner. Love her and her children and grand children . God bless her she has already been excepted into gods loving arms. Her family now has the best Guardian Angel ever.
Charlie Bahl
November 16, 2021 at 10:55 amOh grandma you were loved by so many and we will keep your memory alive!
Linda Martin
November 16, 2021 at 12:09 pmErica, I am so so sorry, I send you my sincere Love and hugs.
I have so enjoyed all of your post with your Mom in them, along with other family. It made me feel like I knew her personally. Loved her beautiful smile.
Rick Lilly
November 16, 2021 at 2:55 pmAubry, Erica, and Justin: I was so saddened when Cindy called to tell me about your mom. So many memories; so much a part of our neighborhood. The times you all were down at the house swimming while your mom and Cindy and I would sit there and talk. God bless you all.
Sharolyn Ross
November 16, 2021 at 5:00 pmSending love and comforting thoughts and prayers to you and your family in your time of need. What a beautiful tribute.
Linda and Dean Bongiovanni
November 16, 2021 at 7:08 pmSending love and prayers in this time of sorrow to the family. I have witnessed the love Deb expressed for her children and grandchildren. May she rest in peace knowing that she was an amazing role model to them all. Fly high Deb and watch over them.
Tom Murphy
November 16, 2021 at 7:22 pmDebbie was such a sweet soul and kind person. With Facebook and small gatherings around our reunion I was able to reacquaint with her. God Bless her and her family during these difficult times. She will be missed.
Karen Reed Hampton
November 16, 2021 at 7:38 pmA Melissa Cox quote Deb posted on her page October 8 of this year.
“I am homesick for a place I am not sure even exists. One where my heart is full. My body loved. And my soul understood.”
Deb, there is a place, rest in the joy and peace knowing it does exist, You are so very loved.
Kim Hardin
November 16, 2021 at 8:34 pmI remember her being a sweet and funny girl in school and I don’t think she ever changed. She will be missed.
Bonnie Mattdon
November 17, 2021 at 7:45 amI’m so very sorry for your loss. May the memories of live bring you peace in the days ahead. Sending warm living vibes your way.
Nicole Keener
November 17, 2021 at 9:17 amI have so many fond memories of going to my Aunt Debbie’s house as a kid. And even though we didn’t see much of each other in my older adult years, we still kept in contact & I loved her so! She was one of a kind, and will be missed dearly!
Aubry, Erica, Eric, Justin, and Michelle, you and your kids are in our thoughts & prayers. We are here if you need anything! We love you all.
Ronna white
November 17, 2021 at 11:15 amBeautiful woman going to be missed Great grandma mom.
Rich”ard”
November 18, 2021 at 7:46 pmMy heart breaks for everyone that had the privilege to know and love Debbie. She was such a breathe of fresh air, any time you got to visit with her. Debbie was one of the most positive impacts on my adolescent life, while I battled through one of the darkest periods of my life. When someone didn’t really have anyone to turn to and no answers, she would be standing there with the door open; asking you to come in for a meal and to chat. For years I spent more time sleeping on her living room couch, than I did my bed; and looking back, her kindness is a huge part of who I am today. There is simply very few people in the world that carry the amount of no questions asked, unconditional love as Debbie did. Debbie, I love you and I can’t wait until we see each other again in paradise.
Shonda Payne-Swanson
November 19, 2021 at 9:05 amDeb had a superpower, and that was her constant love. It never judged, it never faltered, and it never quit. It wasn’t flashy or fashionable, it was constant and quiet. There was such unbelievable strength in that love. I have never seen anything like it. Her soul was so beautiful and bright. We met on my birthday. I always told her she was the best birthday present I ever got. I am so lucky to have been able to call her my best friend. The world is a little less bright without her in it. I loved her so very much. To the family, there are no words. Please take what little comfort and warmth I can offer and know I love you all.
Mary Bogle
November 20, 2021 at 10:14 amI am so sorry for your loss, Debbie was a great friend she stood up in my wedding we had so much fun. I will miss chatting with her at meijer and catching up with her on Facebook. My heart goes out to all her family and friends at this time. Bless you
Kelly j Matson
November 21, 2021 at 12:36 amI feel your pain Erica and Justin, you and your family are in my prayers, Hugs to you both, and know i am thinking of you in your time of need.
JoAnn McKim Roberts
November 21, 2021 at 10:59 amMy condolences to the entire Wood family. Debbie was such a kind and fun person. I have many fond memories of of the great times we had during our high school days. It was always fun to see her at our class reunions and “mini” reunions. She had a big heart and loved her family.May she Rest In Peace and have peace in her heart.
Terry Fox
November 21, 2021 at 4:08 pmDebbie was a wonderful person. She was raised in a great family and has a super family of her own. She loved and was loved. God bless Debbie and her family. She will be deeply missed, but we will keep the memory of her alive.
Sue Bassett
November 22, 2021 at 12:29 pmAubry, Erica, Justin and all of your family
This is so hard for me to not attend her service. She was the rock of the neighborhood. She will be missed so much. She was like a sister to me. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Love all of you.
Kelly Miller
December 6, 2021 at 10:06 amMy condolences to all of Debbie’s family. I remember her working with my mom (Dalena) on neighborhood watch and her love of animals. She was a lovely women and I will keep you all in prayer.