Lillie Martin Cooper

Lillie Belle Martin Cooper, born August 11, 1935, in Ridgeway, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25th. leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, family and community.

The tenth child of Bennie and Ola Mae Branham, Lillie grew up in a large, loving family that shaped her generous heart, strength and resilience.
A graduate of Ridgeway High School, Lillie enjoyed sports and was on the basketball team.

Later in life, she was the pitcher of a softball team and played on a volleyball team while working at Colonial Life. Her faith was central to who she was, and it was through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that she met her first husband, Leon Kelly Martin. Together, they shared 36 years of marriage built on love, commitment, and service.

Lillie's life was marked by love and profound loss, losing her husband at the young age of 54 and two of her children. Her faith has always got her through difficult times as she knows that she will be with family again someday. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 36 years, Leon Kelly Martin; her second husband, Paul Cooper; one brother; eight sisters; her daughter, Laura; and her son, Brian. Through every hardship, she remained a steady, compassionate presence for those around her.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts. Making handmade gifts brought her so much joy. Lillie will be remembered for her warm smile, her sense of humor and her unwavering faith.

Lillie's legacy lives on in the memories she created, the strength she modeled, and the love she shared so freely. Her family and friends take comfort in knowing she is reunited with those who went before her and that her gentle spirit continues to shine brightly in the lives she touched.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Surviving are her children, Kathy Smith (Andy), Alan Martin (Deborah), Joyce Sargunaraj (Stephen), and Lisa Roche (Danny); grandchildren, Ben, Michelle, Caleb, Heather, Kelli, Morrisa, and Tucker; and great grandchildren, Anna and Hunter.

The visitation will be held from 5 o'clock until 7 o'clock on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext. Columbia, SC.

The funeral service will be held at 4 o'clock on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, 4440 Fort Jackson Blvd Columbia, SC. Burial will follow in Centerville Cemetery, 867 Centerville Road Ridgeway, SC.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.