Linda Carol Cooper

Linda Carol Cooper was born on April 29, 1953, in Osceola, Arkansas. She was one of eight children born to the late John Henry Fowlkes Sr. and Rosie Lee (Short) Fowlkes. She departed this life at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL, on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Linda was the kind of person who was tough on the outside but soft on the inside once you got to know her. Her strong demeanor masked a kind heart. As a single parent, she was a loving mother to her three sons and always put them first. She served as a shift manager for a local restaurant for over 25 years, demonstrating an exemplary work ethic and dedication. She was a thoughtful caregiver to her parents in their later years until they passed. After their passing, Linda became the glue that kept the family connected, regularly checking in with her siblings—often keeping them on the phone for hours at a time. Linda’s sharp wit and dry sense of humor often left them amused. She had a remarkable gift for making a situation light with laughter, whether through her clever humor or her roasting sessions (if you know, you know). Her laughter was contagious, and it will echo in our hearts forever. No matter the circumstance, she was always there for family at a moment’s notice. She opened her home to family members in need, always willing to lend a helping hand, offer advice, and be the voice of reason. Linda enjoyed the simple things in life. In her younger days, she sewed clothes for herself and family. She loved shopping, always on the hunt for a great deal. Her favorite pastimes included watching sci-fi and action movies, playing games on her tablet, and, of course, talking to family and friends on the phone.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jo Ann Franklin.

She leaves to cherish her memory: three sons, Aaron (Amethyst) Cooper of Joliet, IL, Eric Cooper of Greenville, SC, and Warren Cooper of Joliet, IL; two sisters, Gina (Nathan) Wood of Knoxville, TN, and Aniesha (Terrell) Williams of Sikeston, MO; four brothers, Gary (Patty) Fowlkes of Saginaw, MI, Larry Fowlkes of Osceola, AR, John Fowlkes Jr. of Sikeston, MO, and Darrin (Pam) Fowlkes of Blytheville, AR; nine grandchildren; eleven nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends, including her great-nephew, Trevion Franklin.

Arrangements entrusted to Mark Hayes, Funeral Director.