Cooper, Sarah Lucy (nee Belcher) (1853-1916)

zoom

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by W. Herrick

Mrs. Cooper, the wife of Rev. J. Cooper, of Wem, passed away at the age of sixty-three years. Though for some years in indifferent health, which was borne with quiet resignation, the final illness was of but a few days’ duration. Early in life, being the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Belcher, she came into close association with our Church, and her membership was unbroken until she was translated to the Church triumphant. By a host of friends on the circuits on which she devotedly laboured along with her husband she was held in high esteem. In her home her influence was sacred, and to the bereaved members of the family her memory is fragrant. 

Revs. J. Lockhart, W. Hall and W. Herrick took part in the funeral service, the body being laid to rest in Wem Cemetery. A memorial service was held in our Wem Church, conducted by Rev. W. Herrick.

Family

Sarah was born in the summer of 1853 at Darlaston, Staffordshire, to parents James Belcher, a schoolmaster (1861), and Margaret Evans.

Before her marriage Sarah worked as a teacher of music (1871).

She married John Cooper (1845-1930), a PM minister, in the summer of 1873 at Walsall, Staffordshire. Census returns identify five of seven children.

• Frederick William (1875-1962) – an auctioneer (1901); later a life assurance branch manager (1911)
• Minnie (b1877)
• Eva (1877-1884)
• Dora (1882-1978) – married Thomas Bowen, a draper
• Harold (b1895) – a draper’s assistant (1911)

Sarah died on 22 October 1916 at Wem, Shropshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1917/366

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers