Mary Joyce Nelson Cooper

Mary Joyce Nelson Cooper, 85, of Monticello, died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, at Newton Medical Center in Covington.

Joyce Cooper was born in Monticello to the late Robert Lee Nelson and Elizabeth Alma McMichael Nelson.

She lived in Fulton County and Clayton County for a number of years before returning to Monticello in 1977. She was a member of New Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Mansfield and the Young At Heart church group.

Before retirement, she was an assignment clerk for Bell South for 30 years and a member of the Southern Bell Pioneers.

Her husband, Thomas Calvin Cooper, preceded her in death eight years ago.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and Andrew Tarr of Jackson; step-daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Johnny Berry of Athens; grandchildren, Grant Ivie and Clint Ivie; step-grandchildren, Michael Berry and Jason Berry; great-grandchildren, Chyna Ivie, Carter Ivie, Cameron Ivie, Morgan Guion, and Khali Guion; step-great-grandchildren, William Robert Berry and Allison Lee Berry; great-great-granddaughter, Ruth Ivie; and brothers, Richard Nelson and Hugh Nelson of Monticello.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, at 2 p.m. at New Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Mansfield. Interment will be held in New Rocky Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Dr. Randal Reese and Rev. Charles Roper will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Tarr, Michael Berry, Grant Ivie, Clint Ivie, Ricky Nelson, and Chad Nelson.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jordan Funeral Home.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the New Rocky Creek Baptist Church, 190 Rocky Creek Road, Mansfield, GA 30055.

Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhome monticello.com.