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Jane Elizabeth Neill Cooper, age 90, passed away on Monday August 22, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas.
Jane was born in Sonora, Texas to Geo. H. (Jack) and Elizabeth Neill. Jack was a banker and rancher. Elizabeth was a devoted mother and an involved member of the Sonora community. Jane grew up riding and working livestock in Sutton County. Her high school years were spent twirling her baton, playing the piano, going to summer camp, helping on the ranch, and counting coins at the bank.
Jane graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in education. Her first teaching job took her to New Mexico. Upon being offered a teaching position at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, she jumped at the chance to return to Texas. While in San Antonio she met the love of her life, Richard. He always said the day he saw her shoot a “dove on the wing”, he knew she was the gal for him. They were married for 54 years.
They raised their two daughters, Elizabeth and Carolyn, in San Antonio. After the girls entered their teenage years, Jane went back to teaching. She taught at St. Luke’s Episcopal School for 8 years. Then at San Antonio Academy before retiring.
Jane loved to play tennis and played well into her 80’s. She also delved into the genealogy of her family. Spending hours researching and documenting her ancestry, often traveling to different locations around the United States. She even travelled to Scotland where she located her ancestral family farm. Jane was a loyal and devoted friend with many friendship spanning decades. Jane and Richard also enjoyed travelling with friends and family.
She was a compassionate church parishioner attending St. Luke’s for over 60 years. She was involved in many church activities including volunteering and serving as a Board Member of the Green Door, was a member of the Daughters of the King, the St. Francis Guild, and the Lunch Bunch. She also enjoyed Friday Morning Bible studies. She was affiliated with Delta Gamma, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and the History Club.
Jane was known for her steadfast love and gracious heart. Affectionately called ‘Mama Jane’, her true passion and legacy was her family, attending her granddaughters’ events and spending her summer on the Devil’s River.
Jane is proceeded in death by her husband Richard E. Cooper, daughter Carolyn C. Earwood, parents Jack and Elizabeth Neill from Sonora, and her sister Nancy N. Law.
Jane is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Jane Davis of Boerne, son-in-law Edward Earwood of Sonora; 4 granddaughters and 7 great grandchildren: Madeline, Brett, Emilia Jane & Nora Fetterly of D.C.; Emily Jane, Carl, Levin & Waylon Whitworth of Doole; Meredith, Bill, Margo Jane, & Armer Allen of Junction; Libbye Davis, daughter Yana, and fiancé Adam Alejandro of San Antonio; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins that she cherished greatly. The family is grateful for her friends and caregivers, Dolores and Raul Valadez.
Visitation is from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2022, at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78218. The funeral service is 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke Lane, San Antonio, Texas 78209. Interment to follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Sonora Cemetery in Sonora, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke Lane, San Antonio, Texas 78209; St. John’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1100, Sonora Texas, 76590; or the organization of your choice.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com.
