Bertha Ann Cooper, 81, Gloucester, passed away Friday, Sept. 30, 2011.

Bertha was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Claude Earl Cooper Jr. She was a native of Flaherty, Ky., and a former resident of Newport News, Va., for 43 years. The last three years she made her home with her daughter, Patty and son-in-law, Tony Michura in Gloucester.

Bertha was a homemaker who was blessed with six children and devoted her life to raising them. She especially enjoyed playing the piano, sewing, painting, playing cards with the family, and watching NCAA basketball (Go Wildcats!) with her late husband Claude.

Bertha was happiest when surrounded by a house full of family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored. Her church family at Beech Grove Baptist was a source of comfort and joy to her.

In addition to her husband, Bertha was preceded in death by a son, Larry J. Cooper; brother, John A. Shircliffe; sister-in-law, Ruth A. Johnston, and grandson, Joseph A. Kubel.

She is survived by her loving children, son, David Cooper and wife Susan of Crestview, Fla.; five daughters, Suzanne Seely and husband George; Patty Michura and husband Tony, Judy Roman and husband Danny, all of Gloucester; Karen Kubel and late husband Dan of Frederick, Md., Sharon Cooper of Raleigh, N.C.; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Martha Ann Shircliffe, several nieces and a nephew.

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. Bob Robbins were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. Interment followed in Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery. The family received friends Monday, Oct. 3, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

In memory of our mom, please consider donations to Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue. P.O. Box 9, Bena, Va. 23018 or Beech Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 100, White Marsh, Va. 23183.