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Tennessee Democrat state Rep. Barbara Cooper, who served in the General Assembly for more than 25 years, died at 93.
“Cooper was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996. She was honored earlier this year as the oldest serving lawmaker in Tennessee’s recorded history and among the oldest lawmakers across the United States. Cooper was running for reelection. Under Tennessee law, her name will remain on the ballot. Should she win, a special election will be held to fill the vacant seat. She was running against independent candidate Michael Porter, the Associated Press reported.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my longtime colleague and dear friend, Barbara Cooper,” House Minority Leader Karen Camper said in a statement. “She was a warrior for her community and the city of Memphis, a tireless advocate on education and equality issues, and just a delightful person.”
“Barbara Cooper was feisty and powerful. She spoke her mind and didn’t suffer fools gladly. She was a teacher to everyone she met. Every setting was her classroom. There will never be anyone like Barbara Cooper,” Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said, calling Cooper an “unwavering voice for the community of Memphis and advancing the rights of Black Tennesseans.”
Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Cameron Sexton tweeted: “We’re incredibly saddened by the news of Rep. Barbara Cooper’s passing. She dedicated her life to serving her community & the State of Tennessee. While we lost a most revered friend & colleague, heaven has gained an angel. Please take a moment to pray for her family & friends.”
Shelby County Democrat Mayor Lee Harris tweeted: “Barbara Cooper was feisty and powerful. She spoke her mind and didn’t suffer fools gladly. She was a teacher to everyone she met. Every setting was her classroom. There will never be anyone like Barbara Cooper. I will miss her.”
Tennessee House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison wrote on Twitter: “Rarely do you meet someone that has the life, the spunk, the attitude, the wit, the humor, the passion, the stubbornness, the classiness, of Representative Barbara Cooper. We didn’t agree on many political issues but we always had a great time together. TN lost a good one.”
MEMPHIS: Rep. Barbara Cooper (D) has passed away at the age of 93. Our hearts go out to her family, and her community. #RIP https://t.co/sBYc1X4A5A
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) October 26, 2022
“I’m praying for the friends and family of my former TN House of Representatives colleague Barbara Cooper. She was a fierce advocate for constituents and for the state of Tennessee. May she Rest In Peace,” tweeted Democrat state Senator Brenda Gilmore.
Representative Vincent Dixie says the two were seatmates for more than a year, saying: “She talked to me like I was her grandson. And I appreciate that more than anything. She took me under her wing and helped me with some pitfalls, gave me encouragement when I needed to, patted me on the back when I needed to, and kicked me in the butt when I needed it. I hope that people will honor her and go out and vote for her one last time to honor her memory and her wish, and to make sure that we continue her legacy of advocating for public education in our children.”
Tennessee State University and President Glenda Glover released a statement on Cooper’s death: “The Tennessee State University family is deeply saddened over the passing of State Representative and alumna, the Honorable Barbara Ward Cooper. An educator at heart, Dr. Cooper proudly served her constituents of Shelby County and the State of Tennessee as the oldest serving Legislator in State recorded history at 93 years old. Her commitment to TSU never wavered as she supported legislation to ensure the success of our students and other higher education policies. The Memphis native represented the very best of Tennessee and leaves a legacy of excellence that will be remembered by those she served for nearly three decades. We extend our sincerest condolences to her family and the citizens of House District 86. Dr. Cooper will certainly be missed when the Tennessee General Assembly convenes in the upcoming year.”
The Tennessee Democratic Party also issued a statement.
“Representative Cooper will forever hold a special place in all of our hearts. Her service and commitment to a better Memphis and Tennessee will be a benchmark for all of us and generations to come. Her contributions to the Democratic Party and fierce advocacy for our values will continue to guide us,“ said TNDP Chair Hendrell Remus.
