Claudia Celeste Cooper

Mrs. Claudia Celeste Cooper passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born April 7, 1939 in Houston to James Douglas and Anita Milner, who preceded her in death along with her brothers Norman Douglas and Rexford, her sister Eunice Perry, her son Raymond Darrell, and daughter Rita Claudette. She is survived by her brothers James Douglas and Russell Everett (Kathy), her sons Danny Joe, James Dale, David Wayne, and daughter Roberta Celeste Hamby, along with twelve grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

Claudia’s first marriage was to Bobbie Joe Raska, who was the father of her children. Her second marriage to Bertram Lee Cooper brought her great love and happiness for fifty years until his death in 2019. She met Lee at the Villa Motel in Angleton where he worked as the maintenance supervisor and she was employed as the hostess at the restaurant. They moved to Holiday Lakes in 1979 where they enjoyed having family and friends over for many barbeques and pool parties. Claudia was also worked for four years in the mid 1980’s as the only woman running heavy equipment in the construction of Hwy 288. Claudia was elected to the Holiday Lakes City Council and served five years, primarily overseeing the police department. Claudia was a loving and supportive mother, and a legendary cook, which is why their home was always filled with family and friends. She had an iron will and a soft heart, along with the wisdom to help others and change lives for the better. Claudia was a beautiful woman who was loved and will be missed by her family and many friends.

Friends are invited for a time of visitation on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Palms Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Claudia will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Yoakum, Texas on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.palmsfuneralhome.com