Mary Lou Cooper Norris

MARY LOU COOPER NORRIS

August 15, 1937 – December 16, 2020

Mary Lou Cooper Norris was born August 15, 1937 in Merryville, Louisiana to Newton Monroe Cooper and Mittie Azile Perry Cooper. She departed this life December 16, 2020 after a courageous battle with dementia followed by a subdural hematoma.

Mrs. Norris grew up in Merryville, attended Merryville High School graduating in 1955. She married Arnold Crawford Norris in 1956. They had two children. Mrs. Norris attended the University of Houston earning a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, subsequently earned a master’s degree in education from McNeese State University and did post graduate work in curriculum and instruction. She was a teacher in the Goose Creek Schools of Baytown, TX and returned to her alma mater to teach for another three decades. She was active in many school leadership capacities and served as the first president of the Beauregard Federation of Teachers. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Merryville. For nearly 60 years she was a member of the Masonic Order of Eastern Star serving in many leadership capacities and earning the rank of Worthy Matron.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Arnold (A.C.) Norris, her parents, Newton and Mittie Cooper, and her sister, Charlene Cooper Heidegger. She is survived by her children, Dr. Norman Dale Norris of New Orleans, and Brenda Gail Norris of Boles, Arkansas; granddaughters Sarah Michelle Norris of Dallas, Texas and Jacqueline Danee Norris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and niece, Diane K Heidegger, of San Leon, Texas. She is also survived by extended family Hollis C. O’Neal and Aline, Hollis Ray O’Neal and family of DeRidder and Dr. Karen O’Neal Graffius and family of Carrrolton, Georgia.

Mrs. Norris was a devoted and attentive mother and teacher.  She loved life, exploring new territories and spending time with family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Due to COVID a modified visitation will be held on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, 9:00-11:00 am at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home. In keeping with social distancing guidelines friends and loved ones will be allowed in the chapel 10-12 persons at a time, asked to properly don a mask, properly sanitize hands upon entering and asked to exit the chapel to the rear.  A memorial service followed by interment will be private. The family respectfully requests no photos or videos.