Sarah Cooper

Sarah Annette made her timely arrival on May 17, 1924 as the fourth child of the late Mary and James Martin Maddox Sr. Heaven dispatched an angel on Monday July 15th, 2013 to guide Sarah home. She was 89 years old. Sarah was educated in the public school of Dorchester County and completed her studies at F.D. St. Clair High School in the Class of 41. She was fondly known as "Plunky", by her family and close friends residing in Cambridge most of her life. As a young adult she lived in Wilmington, Delaware for several years before returning to Dorchester County. She was married to the late Clifton E. Askins in 1946 and from that union was blessed with eight children. She later married Harold L. Cooper. Sarah's employment opportunities include several years at the Phillips Packing Company, ten years at Coldwater Seafood factory, several years at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center where she was trained as a Psychiatric Aide, several years at the Dorchester General Hospital as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and later as a Dietary Technician until she retired. Sarah began her Christian journey at Bethel AME Church. She later transferred her membership to St. Luke United Methodist Church where she has remained a faithful member to this day. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women's organization and The Sunshine Club. Sarah has always been known to be shy, "no nonsense" lady-like person. Her children knew her to be quite strict, extremely honest and always a lady. As her children, we long remember the wise old words of wisdom, and lectures that we had to endure in person and by letter after we left home. Sarah had a great love for the Lord and enjoyed reading her Bible, singing old tunes and listening to music before her health failed. She enjoyed spending time at Pleasant Day Adult Day Care and participating in the activities and fellowship there. During her illness Sarah found contentment and pleasant fellowship at the Chesapeake Woods Center Homestead Unit where she resided for the past 6 years and enjoyed many of the activities there. She was especially fond of the competent and gracious staff. Sarah leaves to cherish her wonderful memories, eight children, Lois Young (Melvin) of Cambridge, Md., Rosanne Cephas (Jerome)of Hurlock, Md, Iris Barnes and Yvonne Robinson of Richmond, Va., Ann Springs of Md, Constance Jenkins of Lexington Park, Md., Douglas Askins (Dorranna) and Sheila Askins of Baltimore, Md.; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great grand children and one great great grandchild; one sister, Pauline Giles (William) of Cambridge, Md; one special niece, Mrs. Cassandra Holmes of Springdale, Md. and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, step father Omar Ward, one sister and brother in-law, Gloria and Edward Duncan, brother James M. Maddox Jr. of Cambridge, Md. granddaughter Tiara Pindle, one niece, Janet Shockley, one nephew, James Maddox III, and a sister in-law, Thelma Maddox. Sarah's greatest desire and her greatest joy in life was raising her children in a Christian way and "serving the Lord with gladness all the days of her life". Services will be Sat., July 20th 1pm at St. Luke UM Church 712 Bradley Ave Cambridge with a viewing two hours prior. Interment in Bethel Cemetery