Barbara “Jean” Bennett Cosper June 24, 1934 — August 16, 2025

Jean had a distinguished career as a nurse, earning a full scholarship to the Lilly Jolly School of Nursing in Houston. After marrying and moving to Edna, she worked in OB/GYN at the Mauritz Memorial Hospital in Ganado and as the Jackson County public health nurse. She was a school nurse for the Edna ISD and the administrative nurse at the Edna nursing home. Later in her career, Jean worked as a charge nurse at the Edna hospital and at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Victoria, in both oncology and surgery. In her retirement, Jean also served on the Board of Directors of the Hospice of South Texas.

Outside of work, Barbara was an active member of the United Methodist Women (UMW) and helped found the Wesley Nurse Program at the First United Methodist Church in Edna. She also enjoyed singing in the choir. Later in life, she built a second church family closer to home at the Vanderbilt Baptist Church, where she was active in Operation Shoebox and Vacation Bible School and was famous for her delicious chicken salad sandwiches.

An avid reader, Jean loved her local library. She could often be found snacking on her favorite Tootsie Rolls while she completed the daily crossword puzzle. Her hobbies included sewing, camping, and traveling with her family. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly, and at 90 was still playing on the floor with her great-grands. She had a servant’s heart and will be so missed by her family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her sister Joan Humphries and children Caryn Cosper (Dean Tucker), Roc Cosper, Melissa Cosper Addison (Phillip), and Rodney Cosper. She was “Grammy” to Sydney Boom (Gordon), Coy Barber (Samantha), and Callaway McCord Cosper and great grandchildren Lorelei, Archer, and Darcy Boom and Kade Barber.

She is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard W. Cosper; her brothers, Harry V. Larson (Mary) and J.R. Bennett (Gladys); sisters, Ruth Larson Hartigan and Charlotte Emily Bennett; and brother-in-law Duane Humphries.

The family invites extended family, friends, and Jean’s church communities to celebrate her life at a Remembrance Service and luncheon at the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church in Edna (216 W. Main St.) at noon on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The Cosper Family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Barbara’s loving caregivers, Clara Menefee and Jorene Hadley. Pallbearers are Dean Tucker, Phillip “Pip” Addison, Gordon Boom, Shawn Egg, Rick Gauna, and Blake Fowler. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Lopez, Mike Lopez, Monte Callaway, Robert “Bobby” Curlee and Coy Barber.

Memorials in Jean’s honor are appreciated to any of the following organizations: First United Methodist Church of Edna, Vanderbilt Baptist Church, or Hospice of South Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna, 361-782-2221.