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In Memoriam

Joann Helen Cooper (Wells) - Class Of 1950

Joann Helen Cooper, daughter of Arthur Bement (1893-1960) and Helen R. (Dietz) (1897-1983) Cooper, was born 9 December 1931 Michigan.  Joanne graduated in 1950 from Okemos High School.  She was among several Cooper siblings that attended and graduated from Okemos High.

Joann married Norman Wells, a 1944 Okemos graduate and World War II US Army veteran,  on 14 April 1951 Okemos, Ingham County.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Sunday 22 April 1941

COUPLE AT HOME AFTER TRIP THROUGH SOUTH

At home at R. 4, Mason, are newlyweds Mr. and mrs. Norman R. Wells, after a honeymoon trip through the south following their April1 14 wedding at Okemos Baptist church.

Mrs. Wells is the former Joann H. Cooper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur B. Cooper, Sr., of R. 4, Mason.  Her bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Wells, also of R. 4, Mason.

For the wedding ceremony, read by Rev. Holman Johnson at 8 p.m., the bride chose an ice-blue strapless satin gown with a white lace redingote  and chapel-length train.  A fingertip-length lace veil was held by a Juliet cap of satin and lace.  Her bouquet was of white roses with a removable pink Talisman rose corsage.

The matron of honor, Mrs. Philip Abbott, sister of the bride, chose a yellow taffeta strapless gown with a white lace bolero and a bouquet of pink carnations trimmed with green.

Kenneth A. Cooper, brother of the bride, was best man.

Other attendants were Miss Greta Miller and Miss Lois Hayes, bridesmaids, and Arthur Wells, brother of the bridegroom, and Philip Abbot, brother-in-law of the bride, as ushers, and Janet Abbott and Kathleen Cooper, nieces of the bide, as flower girls.

A reception was held in the church parlors immediately following the wedding.

Joann was a cook at Okemos High School for many years.  Norm, born 21 August 1925, died 13 June 2013.  Joann died 6 May 2016.  Norm and Joann were interred Leek Cemetery, Okemos.

 Skinner Funeral Home, Lansing

Joann Helen Cooper Wells, 84, of Okemos, MI went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 6, 2016. Joann was the daughter of Arthur and Helen (Dietz) Cooper.

She was a graduate of Okemos High School class of 1950. Joann worked for Okemos Public School as a cook and was a longtime member of Holt Baptist Church. She was a member of the Oldsmobile Outdoor Camping club and volunteered with 4H, Camp Barakel and Youth Haven Camp.

Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Wells; brothers, Art Cooper, Ken Cooper, Charles Cooper and sister, Mary Abbott.

Surviving are her sons, Daniel (Jude) Wells, Richard (Teresa) Wells; grandchildren, Jeremy (Kimberly) Wells, Shannon (Kevin) Damesworth, Michael Wells; 7 great grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Judy) Cooper, Richard (Joy) Cooper and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A graveside service was held on Monday, May 9, 2016 at Leek Cemetery in Alaiedon Township, MI. The family will hold a memorial service at Holt Baptist Church in June.