Grace Cooper Vernon

Grace Connie Cooper Vernon went to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012.

Celebration of life: Connie's celebration of life will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Lucas Funeral Chapel. Her grandson, Rodney Ring, will officiate and prayers will be by Pastor John Tyler. Interment will follow in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, R.B. Cooper. Visitation and viewing: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst.

Memorials: There will be no "in lieu of flowers" however; floral tributes will be donated to Parkwood Assisted Living in Bedford, upon conclusion of the services.

Connie, as she is known by all, was born on June 29, 1924, in Cleburne. She was a member of North Pointe Baptist Church in Hurst, where she and her husband, Woodie, were active members.

She is probably best known in Hurst, Euless, Bedford as the previous owner of Cooper's Florist, a business that she and her husband, R.B., founded over 50 years ago and which still exists on Pipeline Road in Hurst today. Flowers were her passion and she won many numerous awards over the years for outstanding floral designs. She was a member of the Texas State Floral Association, as well as the Fort Worth Floral Association.

Connie was loved beyond measure and she will leave precious memories with all who knew her. She was someone who was kind and loving, had the sweetest smile ever and could connect with anyone with just a simple touch and a kind word.

The family wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the Parkwood Healthcare Community and to all those who cared for Connie, both in assisted living and in Mayfair. A special thanks to Stacey for more than words can express. Our appreciation to Yvonne and her staff, from Heart To Heart Hospice, for making Connie's last days a comforting experience for her and for all of us.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Fannie and Sam Nowlin of Cleburne; her husbands, Woodrow Vernon and R.B. Cooper; her youngest daughter, Nancy Rhyne; and her sister, Beaulah Head.

Survivors: She is survived by her oldest daughter, Sandra Wingfield of Bedford; her son, Jim Ring of Hurst and daughter-in-law, Nelda; a daughter, Dianne Reilly of Houston and son-in-law, Simon; and a son-in-law, Gary Rhyne of Indiana. She is also survived by a loving sister and brother, Nita Kirtley of Fort Worth and Sam Nowlin of Cleburne. Connie has been blessed with eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one little Brody angel; and a multitude of stepgrandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.