Eleanor "Sissy" Neel Cooper

Eleanor “Sissy” Neel Cooper, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Winter Park, Florida, on January 3, 2025, after learning just 19 days earlier that she had developed cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends.

 Sissy was born on December 20, 1935, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, to Ralph Heard Neel, Jr. and Katherine McDonald Neel. She grew up in Thomasville, Georgia, where she was a cheerleader and voted “Most Popular” at Thomasville High School. After graduating, she attended Florida State University, where she fondly recalled taking classes with the late Burt Reynolds. After college, she returned to Thomasville, where she met the local preacher’s son, John “Jack” Cooper, who was on leave from the U.S. Marine Corps. She became a devoted wife to Jack, and they shared 62 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2019.

 Sissy began working as a teenager at her parents’ department store, Neel’s of Thomasville, where she developed her strong work ethic and charm with customers. Upon moving to Winter Park with Jack and their children in 1966, she continued her career in retail, working for Jordan Marsh, Robinson’s, Rheinauer’s, No Nonsense Hosiery, and Alberto VO5. Sissy then found her true calling as a preschool teacher at Wesley Child Development Center. 

 Sissy was a sustaining member of the Winter Park Junior Service League. During her active membership, she volunteered her time to countless initiatives, including the Winter Park Bargain Box, Winter Park Community Center, Winter Park Art Festival, Boys and Girls Club, Eatonville Day Nursery, and many other causes. Her selflessness and willingness to serve were a testament to her generous spirit and deep care for her community.

 Sissy lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment. Her home was open to all her son John’s and daughter Kitty’s friends as they grew up; she was a second mom to countless kids. She loved meeting her friends at Outback Steakhouse, riding the bike at Planet Fitness, and spending time with her church community and her Wesley crew. She stayed in touch with many dear friends from Thomasville, maintaining relationships that spanned decades. She also had many kind neighbors on Cocos Lane, who treated her as if she was part of their families. There were many gatherings under the big oak tree in Sissy’s front yard, sharing laughter and making memories. Sissy also had many different groups of friends, each of whom she loved dearly. Her life was filled with connection, love, laughter, and unwavering friendship.

 She loved her family deeply and was incredibly proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a passion for cooking, reading, reciting poetry, and her daily viewing of General Hospital. A lifelong woman of faith, Sissy was a dedicated member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Maitland, where she built lasting friendships and strengthened her spiritual foundation.

 She is survived by her sister, Caryl Putman, of Ellijay, GA and her two children, John Cooper (Michele) of Casselberry, FL and daughter, Kitty Kovic (Chris) of Winter Park; her beloved grandchildren, Kyle Beach (Tiney), Kelli Bautista, Alex Cooper (Luca), Sydney Donovan (Tyler), and Ali Madden (Tyler), and her cherished great-grandchildren, Sophia Bautista, Jordan Bautista, Presley Beach, Jack Donovan, and Baby Madden, who is on the way, as well as many nieces and nephews.

 Sissy was predeceased by her husband, Jack Cooper, and her parents, Ralph and Katherine Neel.

 A celebration of Sissy’s life will be held at the open-air Lakeside Chapel at Asbury United Methodist Church in Maitland on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Plenty of bench seating (without backrests) is available, but please bring a folding chair if desired. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held inside the main Sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 220 W. Horatio Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751, or a children’s charity of choice.

 Sissy will always be remembered as a kind, selfless, and graceful Southern lady. Even in her final days, she faced death with joy, raising her arms and declaring, “I am ready to go home.” Her legacy may not be written on any buildings or monuments, but her unwavering faith, zest for life, and radiant spirit is woven into the many lives of all who knew her.

To share your memories of Sissy or to leave a special message for her family online please sign the guestbook below.