Sarah Ann Cooper-Thurston

Thurston ~ Sarah Ann Cooper was born in Bunnell, Florida, 5 November 1941, to Author “Homeboy” Cooper and Juanita “Big Mama” Cooper.  At an early age she moved to Jacksonville, Florida and lived with her grandparents, Babe-Ma and Papa.  Sarah attended College Park Elementary and James Weldon Johnson.   After graduation from high school, Sarah attended Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois; she also received Officers and Stewards Training at the Institute.  

As a young lady, Sarah loved to roller skate from Rushing Street to Davis Street - the skating rink. She was a member of New Life Community Church.  Sarah was employed with Aging Truth, Meals On Wheels as a certification specialist for over twenty-five years.  She retired in 2006. Sarah loved her family and friends; her passion was cooking, and her collard greens were her specialty.  She enjoyed watching people eat her cooking and enjoying their meal.

Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, George R. Thruston; parents, Author “Homeboy” Cooper, Juanita “Big Mama” Cooper; brothers, Willie Cooper, Nathan Cooper, James E. Cooper, William Cooper, Don Wright; sisters, Christine Cooper, Tina Wright.  She leaves to cherish her memory her only child, Arnett Clifton (Francine) Cooper, Fort Knox, Kentucky; grandchildren, Clifton “CJ” Arnett Cooper, Jaida Cooper, Kala Cooper, Jayden Bates, Sinai Bates; brothers, George Cooper, Johnny “Bay-Bay” Cooper, Leonard “Grit” Cooper, Albert Wright Jr.; sisters, Evelyn Cooper, Deloris Cooper, Francis Thomas, Marshal Wright; a plethora of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends including her casino and  traveling partner, Patricia “Pat” Boose; dear friends, Mrs. Viola Braxton, Mrs. Pearl Hagley, and the Manning Family.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Sarah Ann Cooper Thurston, 11 AM Saturday, June 29, 2024, at New Life Community Church, 113 West 17th Street.   Visitation Friday from 5 – 7 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Restlawn Memorial Park.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Dr, 904.924.9400. 

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