Josephine LaRue Cooper, 101, of Hagerstown, MD, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on January 9, 2026, at Creekside Nursing Home.

Born September 4, 1924 in Waterloo, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Jesse and Myrtle Edith (Mongan) Clayburn.

Josephine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerald Franklin Cooper, Sr., who passed away on June 26, 2011.  Together they raised a family that was both large and wonderfully close-knit, blessed with two daughters, Linda Carol Hult and Sheridan Ann Shoemaker; and two sons, Gary Wayne Cooper and Gerald Franklin Cooper, Jr. Her legacy flourished with nine grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren and seven step-great-great-grandchildren, each of whom she adored greatly.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Margaret Linton, Mary Wade, Helen Russell, and Catherine Grover.

In her professional life, Josephine's diligent work ethic was evident in her dedicated years of service at Gabriel Industries, amongst other establishments. Yet, it was her unwavering commitment to her Christian faith that truly defined her.

A long-standing member of the West End Senior Citizens and an active volunteer with Mount Hope Ministries, Josephine was deeply rooted in her Christian community. She was a lifelong member of First Brethren Church before joining the Bethel Assembly Church's Prime Timers Sunday School Class. Josephine's dedication shone brightly through her regular attendance at both morning and evening worship and praise services, as well as midweek bible studies. Her involvement with the Willing Workers Sunday School Class was marked by her contribution to church fundraisers, preparing delicious food for auctions. Her spiritual journey witnessed a milestone in 1979 when she was rebaptized by Dr. Harold Barnett.

Serving as a Deaconess, Josephine lovingly prepared communion bread and participated in the sacred traditions of foot washing and love feasts. Her welcoming smile greeted the congregation on Sunday mornings, and her voice harmonized with the choir in joyful worship. Her commitment extended beyond her local church walls as she worked diligently with the First Brethren Church group supporting communities in need in Lost Creek, KY, and attending Brethren Conferences in Ashland, OH.

Josephine's heart for service led her to the Prison Ministry, where she volunteered for 20+ years, offering hope and compassion. While she became a familiar face in nursing homes, her presence was not just for visits but also to spread festive cheer with Christmas caroling.

Josephine's life was a living sermon of love and dedication. She leaves behind a legacy that those who knew and loved her will strive to uphold. Her memory shall remain as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the profound impact one faithful, selfless life can have on many.

The funeral will be held at 11:30am on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown, MD. Rev. Steve Barnett will officiate. A graveside service will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, 600 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD.

There will be a viewing at the funeral home on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 2-5pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org/donate