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Cecile Cooper newspaper clippings, 1964-1998

1970-11-19 Article: Cecile Cooper Honored By Davenport Citizens""

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Cecil Copper Honored By Davenport Citizens Cecile Cooper of Daveport was honored at Cethel A.M.E. Church on Sunday as one " whose beautiful life of compassion with commitment has inspired and enriched the lives of so many others." (from the citation) " The Family" A program patterned after the " This is Your Life" T.V show was under the co-chairmanship of Betty Oney and Vernall Perkins; Mrs. Oney acting as Mistress of Ceremonies. The progra was divided into four pars: the first, " The Family," with a niece Gwendolyn Cooper as cooordinator. Greetings were read from Simon Estes a nephew and internationally known baritone and other members of the family from Centerville, Des Moines and Iowa City. " Faith" "Faith" The second part, "Faith" was coordinated by Vernell Perkins and Grace Buckner and included testimonies by a former Pastor, Rev E. L. Johnson and Strickland Marcus and Rebecca Momom officers of the church. " Professional Life" Part three " Professional Life" was coordinated by Delores Burnham and included a review of Cecile Cooper's activities as a Cosmetologist; this segment also included a surprise guest, Bernie Carleton of Le Claire in whose shop in Bettendorf the "color line" was broken. " Inter Faith and Community" The fourth part, " Interfaith and community " was coordinated by Powell Owens and Father Francis Duncan; it included a poem composed by Leonora Allen a greeting from the Muscatine Federated Women's Club, which was at one time part of the Semper Fidells Federated Women's Club founded by Cecile Cooper, the President, Aldeen Davis, of Muscatine, was present. The N.A.A.C.P was represented by by Attorney Thomas Kelly, Jr. President of the Iowa Conference of Branches and William Cribbs, Executive Director of the Davenport Human Relations Commision. The Council of Church of Scott and Rock Island Counties was represented by the Rev. Donald Bautz, Executive Director and Rev. Clarence Savey, Director of Social Services. The Social Action Department of the Diocese of Davenport and the Catholic Interracial Council were represented by the Rev. Marvin Motett, Director of the former and Chaplain of the latter. The IOWA BYSTANDER, by a letter from J.B Morris, Sr. Publisher (Cecile Cooper usually writes this column from Davenport) " Iowa Bystander" The Quad-City Council for Human Rights by Don Teigland; the Lend-A-Hand Club by Grace Stiles and Eula Wold; the Iowa Annie Wittenmeyer Home by a letter from James Holmes, the Superintendent. The League of Women Voters was represented by Jane Dubens; Church Women United of Davenport by Florence Eggers and the Iowa United Nations Association by Etta Cosner. The young people of Scott County were represented by Janice Entler, " Miss Scott County, 1970". Always an active and concerned citizen Cecile Cooper saw Dr. Alan Hathaway of the Scott County Democratic Organization; the City of Davenport by the Honorable John Jobens, Mayor of Davenport; and Kathy Kirschbaum, Alderwomen-at-large and a tribute in a letter from the Honorable Fred Schwengel Congressman, First District of Iowa, all praising " beautiful life" of Cecile Cooper and her many contributions to these and other organizations to help to make our world a better place in which to live. Muscial Offerings The very beautiful and varied musical offerings were coordinated by Clifton Payton assisted by Sharon Wyatt, Special numbers were provided by Bethel Men's Chorus, Bethel Senior Choir, Rosalie McQueen, Ron Teague and his choir. A beautiful citation the work of Kenneth Bowen was presented by Nickie Rydka and a scarp-book was presented by Doris Entler along with a telegram from the Rev, Frank Whitt from Tacoma, Wash and dozens of cards an messages sent by friends and admirers. Contributions on the occasion were to help to liquidate the mortgage on the parsonage of the Church. The opening and closing prayers were offered by the Rev A . T. Chester, Pastor and refreshments were served in the church parlors after the inspiring evening by the Planning Committee which was composed of: Lenora Allen, Dannie Edwards, Doris Entler, Irma Garrett, Martha Garrett, Strickland Marcus, Virginia Nicholson, Mary O'Gara, Audrey Pate and Nickie Rydka. A beautiful life like Cecile Cooper's can truly help to make life beautiful for countless others. Written for the BYSTANDER by Rev Francis W.J. Duncan DES MOINES, IOWA THURSDAY, NOVEMEBR 19. 1970 READ THE BYSTANDER AND KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEWS IN AND AROUND IOWA
 
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