Lavinia Phillips Cooper, also known as "Sandy," was born on May 2, 1935, in Jennings, La., to the late Lorenza Wiltz Phillips and Felix Phillips. God called his angel to come home on June 8, 2017.

Mrs. Cooper relocated to Lake Charles after receiving her bachelor's degree from Grambling State University in elementary education. She retired from teaching in the Calcasieu Parish School System, where she taught for over 20 years. Mrs. Cooper was one of the first African-American teachers to integrate into A. A. Nelson Elementary School. She then attended Delta Tech where she obtained her Associate's Degree in Business. Mrs. Cooper then opened up her antique shop Sandy's Antiques and Collectibles; antiquing and appraising was a passion of hers. Mrs. Cooper was a long time member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she was a member of the choir; she was also a former member of the Retired Teachers Association.

Mrs. Cooper leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Mr. Elzie Cooper of Lake Charles, La. From the marriage she leaves behind three children, Gary (Theresa) Cooper, Jacqueline (Clarence) Rush, and Phillip (Donna Guillory) Cooper. To follow in her footsteps she leaves six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Her brother, Lawrence Phillips of Houston, Texas; and sister-in-law, Taylor Phillips of Lake Arthur, La., also remains to share her stories.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Louis, Gabriel, Clarence and Clifton Phillips.

Mrs. Cooper will be truly missed by her family and friends.