Joann Cooper was born on August 24, 1938, in Delhi, Louisiana, to Joe Bradley and
Betsy Lott. She was the oldest of six children, a role she embraced throughout her
life with strength, responsibility, and love.
Around 1946, Joann moved to Stockton, California, with her mother and siblings,
where she would grow into a bright young woman devoted to learning, family, and faith.
She attended Edison High School and later continued her education at the College of
the Pacific.
On December 24, 1956, in Stockton, Joann met the love of her life, Alonzo Cooper,
Sr. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and
service. They were married on April 6, 1957, and soon thereafter made their home in
San Diego, California, where they would build a family and a legacy of ministry and
community service.
Joann and Alonzo were blessed with two sons, Alonzo Cooper, Jr. and Kerry
Vaughn Cooper, who were the pride and joy of her life. She was also a devoted
grandmother to her two granddaughters, Marissa Nate Cooper and Alexis Nicole
Cooper, whom she loved deeply and supported faithfully.
Joann dedicated over thirty years of professional service as a Special Education
Counselor with the San Diego City School District, where she was known for her
compassion, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to children and families with
special needs.
In 1990, Joann and Alonzo founded and organized the Good Samaritan Outreach
Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which began its humble operations on
Bates Street in San Diego. Through this ministry, Joann worked tirelessly to serve
those in need, offering hope, dignity, and practical assistance to the community.
After five years of successful leadership with Good Samaritan, Joann entered a new
season of service. In 1995, when Alonzo Cooper, Sr. became Senior Pastor of the
University Avenue Baptist Church, Joann faithfully served for the next twenty-one
years as First Lady, standing beside her husband with grace, humility, and unwavering
faith. She was a source of encouragement, wisdom, and spiritual strength to the
congregation and community.
Joann remained steadfast in her devotion to the Lord Christ Jesus, faithfully serving at
University Avenue Baptist Church and Mt. Sinai Baptist Church up to the date of
her calling home on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Joann Cooper will be remembered for her deep faith, servant’s heart, quiet strength,
and enduring love for her family and community. Her life was a testimony of service,
compassion, and devotion, and her legacy will continue to live on in all who were
blessed to know her.
Cards, letters, and flowers may be lovingly sent to Miramar Memorial Services, 8380
Miramar Mall, Suite #105, San Diego, CA 92121. In loving accordance with Joann’s wishes, the family will hold a private service.