Viola Johnson Cooperwood

March 21, 2026

Viola Johnson Cooperwood went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 21, 2026, at NMMC-Pontotoc. She lived a long and godly life. Viola was the second oldest of eight children born to the late Booker and Louanna Clay Johnson. She was a loving and devoted wife to the late James H. Cooperwood. After his passing at a young age, Viola became both mother and father to their nine children. Although she was not perfect, she was righteous through her faith in Jesus Christ. Viola had a passion for sharing God’s love with others, often expressing, “I got to have Jesus; I cannot make it by myself.” A loyal servant of God, Viola was a lifelong member of Bethel MB Church, attending every Sunday until her passing. She was the mother of the church.

Now that Viola has transitioned into the arms of our Lord, her physical life on earth has come to an end, but it marks the beginning of a beautiful and eternal journey for her.

Viola is survived by four generations of family, including three sons: Reverend Dr. John Steven (Myoyee) Cooperwood of Tallahassee, FL, Pastor Tony Cooperwood of Atlanta, GA, and James (Jimmy) Cooperwood of Tupelo, MS. She is also survived by five daughters: Dollie Fountain of Little Rock, AR, Shirley Cooperwood of Ridgeland, MS, Louvenia Turner of Tupelo, MS, Minnie Croft of Tupelo, MS, and Betty Cooperwood of Pontotoc, MS. Additionally, Viola leaves behind seven grandchildren, Angela Johnson, Beyron Erby, Shawn Turner, Howard (Stephanie) Fountain II, Hernadus Fountain, Tony Cooperwood, Jr., and LouAnna Cooperwood; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She is also remembered by her brother-in-law, Ozzie (Ruby) Cooperwood of Chicago, IL; three sisters-in-law, Dorothy Johnson of Hanes City, FL, Annie Ware of Pontotoc, MS, and Mamie Johnson of Pontotoc, MS; along with numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband, James Henry Cooperwood; her parents; son, Randy Cooperwood; grandson, John Cooperwood, Jr.; and seven siblings, Alford (Morlean), Elbert (Velma), BJ, Essie Mae, Charlie, Loistine (Robert), and Roosevelt. She was also preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Rilla Ivy Cooperwood.

Visitation will be Friday, March 27, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Payton Mortuary. Funeral service will be Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Bethel M.B. Church, 2905 Black Zion Road, Pontotoc, MS.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

~