AHOSKIE – Callie Minton Leake Cooper of Ahoskie, NC passed away on Friday, September 5, 2014.  She was born on May 2, 1918 to the late James W. and Martha Tulie Leake.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Cartwright Cooper; and sisters, Lois Howell and Elizabeth Adkins.

She is survived by her brother, Robert Elwood Leake of Ahoskie, NC;  her children, Bettie C. Fussell and her husband, Arthur McKay Fussell of Clayton, NC; and Susan C. Alston and her husband Dr. Michael Alston of Murfreesboro, NC; four wonderful grandchildren, Teresa J. Griffith and husband Robert of Clayton, NC; Johnna F. Lake and husband David of Cary, NC; Angela A. McGee and husband Jon of Raleigh, NC; and Erin E. Alston of Brooklyn, NY; five great-grandchildren, Katie and Cooper Griffith, Allison and Parker Lake, and Mason McGee; and many nieces and nephews.

Callie grew up in Rich Square, NC.  In 1961, she and William moved to Ahoskie when she was transferred there by the Carolina Telephone office. She retired from Embarq Telephone Company in 1980 and had a long and busy retirement. She loved her family and friends. She was known for her laughter and kindness. She was giving, energetic, and enjoyed life. She loved playing bridge and skip-bo with her many friends and family. She was a devoted Christian woman, a member of the Ahoskie First Baptist Church who always had a smile on her face and was always helping others. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and care shown to Callie by the staff at Lee’s Long Term Care in Raleigh, NC.

A celebration of a memorable life was held on Monday, September 8, 2014 at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Home in Ahoskie with the Reverend Daniel Glaze officiating.  She was laid to rest in Highland Memorial Gardens in Ahoskie, NC.

Flowers are welcomed. Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, 312 Main Street, Ahoskie, NC 27910.