Adalyn Burrows Cooper

Mrs. Adalyn Burrows Cooper, 76, of Kingstree, died Sunday, October 19, 2014 in Columbia, SC. Born January 8, 1938 in Kingstree, SC, she was a daughter of the late William Theron Burrows and Louise Wilson Burrows. Adalyn was a member of Union Presbyterian Church in Salters, SC, where she lived for many years.  For the past 8 years, she resided in Columbia, where she was an associate member of Northeast Presbyterian Church.  Her faith was evidenced by her service as organist, choir director, and Sunday School teacher at Union Presbyterian, and by the caring and welcoming spirit she shared with everyone.

Adalyn carried on the work started by her father when she and her late husband, Mr. George Edwin Cooper, continued operating her father’s country store in Salters.  The Cooper Country Store became known as the very best of its kind and a destination stop for travelers going to and coming from the beach.  Its historic location and friendly service were featured in both local and national publications including Garden and Gun Magazine, and Adalyn’s connection with her neighbors in Williamsburg County led her to serve in many capacities in her community.  She was Past President of the Kingstree Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Williamsburg First National Bank, and she even served as a substitute mail carrier when duty called.

Adalyn attained a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs, NC, and then a Master’s of Education from the University of South Carolina.  She served as the Williamsburg County School District Coordinator for Instruction and she was the supervisor for the district’s administrative office.

Adalyn passion for civic action and service to others led her to become a leader in her county during the Civil Rights Movement, volunteering for a teaching position at Blakely High School in Trio, SC, during the first days of integration, and she served as Poll Manager for the Salters Precinct for its first integrated election in 1964.  Her example of care and compassion for others, as well as her lively and energetic spirit will be remembered and cherished by her family and friends by whom she will be greatly missed.

Adalyn is survived by her daughter, Kelley Louise Cooper of Salters, SC; sister, Lorraine Hayen Hilton (Avery) of Columbia; uncle, Francis M. Wilson of Kingstree; nieces, Lauren Ellerbe Burke (Kelly) of Charlotte, NC,  Julianne Ellerbe Taylor (Chris) of Charleston, and Elza Louise Hayen of Columbia; as well as three great-nephews, and two great-nieces.  In addition to her parents, Adalyn was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, George Edwin Cooper; and by her sister, Patricia Burrows Ellerbe.  The family wishes to thank Phyllis Moore-Wood for her loving friendship and care; the staff at Still Hopes Episcopal Home; the staff at Wildewood Downs Retirement Community; and the loving members of Palmetto Health Hospice.

A service for Mrs. Cooper will be held at 3 o’clock, Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at Union Presbyterian Church with burial to follow in the churchyard.  The family will receive friends following the service.  A visitation will also be held from 6 until 8 o’clock on Tuesday evening at the Williamsburg Funeral Home, 332 E. Main Street, Kingstree, SC.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Mrs. Diane Boyd, 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556, or to the Northeast Presbyterian Church Music Ministry, 601 Polo Rd., Columbia, SC, 29223.Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com or www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.