Celebrating Her Spirit . . .
Lautrell Coles Cooper was born on March 20, 1922 in Macon Georgia. She was raised by George and Irene Coles, her aunt and uncle. She departed this life to be with The Lord on April 29, 2015.
Lautrell was always doing "something" throughout her life. She attended school in Macon Ga. and started taking piano lessons at the age of five. At the age of 10, she played her first piano solo, "Uncloudy Day," which launched her career playing for funerals and churches. And by the time she turned 13, she worked as a hairdresser and seamstress!
She moved to Cincinnati in 1938 following the death of her Aunt Irene Coles. She then lived with her mother, Ella Lee Brown and stepfather, Rev. Mack Brown. Lautrell continued her education at Woodward High School for a brief period and later attended East Vocational High School, where she continued her trades. Her music lessons also continued under the direction of Professor Bryce.
Lautrell was a member of Providence Baptist Church, where her Stepfather Rev. Mack Brown, (whom she called " Daddy" was pastor. She began to play for the choirsв?¦naturally her favorite was the junior choir. She married James Cooper on June 20, 1943. Although they had no children of their own, she and Jim raised one daughter, Yvonne Cooper, who preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her mother and step-father.
Lautrell loved children and you could always find the couple's car with somebody's child in it going to church, to the park or on a trip.
Lautrell put as much energy in her work as she did in her music. She was employed by National Distillery, Procter & Gamble , Avon and various other companies.
Lautrell later joined Second Trinity Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Nathaniel Reed. She continued to play for the Second Trinity choir. Her husband, James Cooper, passed on August 16, 1969. Although this left a void in her life, Lautrell did not give up hope and she maintained her faith in the Lord.
Lautrell is survived by one sister, Minnie Lee Miller, two nieces, Joanne Westbrook and Deborah (Nate) Harris; one nephew, Clarence (Donna) Miller and a host of other family members and friends. We cannot tell it all, but God has truly been good. We love you, we honor you, we salute you and we appreciate you
Cemetery Details Dayton National Cemetery 4400 West Third Street
Dayton, OH 45431
Visitation
MAY 8. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ET)
Second Trinty Baptist Church
911 Nassau Street
Cincinnati, OH 45206
Service
MAY 8. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (ET)
Second Trinty Baptist Church
911 Nassau Street
Cincinnati, OH 45206
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