Billie Sue Ballenger Cooper

...weeping may stay the night but joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5 Like the scripture says the passing of Billie Sue Ballenger Cooper leaves the sadness of loss but for those who know Jesus as she did the joy can soon be realized. On February 13, 2024, Mama Sue, as she was known since the birth of her grandchildren, entered her eternal freedom from all earthly limitations. For that truth there is genuine happiness thus the referenced 'joy' for those reading this. For certain one thing that could be written in stone would be her desire for all --family, friend, acquaintant, and even total stranger-- to share with her for eternity the joy of The Lord ! Billie Sue was born February 18, 1930 to Jim and Lillian Ballenger. She graduated from Longview High School and then on to Arkansas Baptist where she received a Registered Nursing degree. December 2, 1950 she married Vernon "Pete" Cooper and were married until his death, April 30, 2000. They had three children, three grandchildren, and at the time of Mama Sue's passing she had seven great grandchildren. She devoted her life to Jesus, her family, and her nursing career where she spent several years on the staff of Good Shepherd hospital and local doctors' offices. The last 25 official career years were spent at a Longview nursing home. First as the director of nurses then to the administrator position for the majority of her time there. Her retirement lasted only a few months before accepting a 15 years long part-time job as a testing facilitator for the state of Texas certification for the nurse aide program. When actual retirement occurred, she had more time to enjoy more activities and fellowships with her church family at Centre Presbyterian, Elderville. In all honesty, God only knows how many pecan pies she made throughout the years ! The activity and craft group of ladies that met once a week to undertake various projects was an absolute favorite gathering time for her where laughter did the heart good ! She truly led a life of giving and serving. Honoring and comforting words of Pastor Larry Wilkins : "She lived her life preparing for this day. Her reward will be great for the beautiful life she lived. The hard part is for us who so loved our loved ones. It's a great adjustment to our lives because they were such an important part of our lives. We are to understand they are still with us in Christ. They abide in Him as we abide in Him together. It's all the more reason for us to draw closer to the Lord for in doing so we draw closer to our loved ones. Love is eternal. Love never fails for God is love." Funeral services will be held at the Centre Presbyterian Church in Elderville on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the Elderville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 am to 11 am prior to the service.

Billie Sue Ballenger Cooper

February 18, 1930 - February 13, 2024