She was known by many names Irma Cooper, Mom, Grams, and GG (Great Gramma) the name doesn’t count; the love is what matters!
Irma Diane Cooper, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, writer, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 6,2026, at the age of 86. A longtime resident of Portsmouth, Ohio, she spent her final years in Texas after relocating in 2021 to be closer to the family she cherished. Irma was born on October 29, 1939, in Perry, Ohio, the youngest daughter of the late George and Orla Smith.
Irma was a gifted storyteller and passionate lover of words. To those who knew her best, she was a true word weaver. Through her poetry and short stories, she created worlds filled with imagination and wonder. Family and friends fondly remember her poems featuring Bear and Hare, as well as beloved stories such as The Troll from the Trellis, Myself the Elf, and Santa Rocks. Her love of creative writing was only surpassed by her desire to inspire the next generation of writers. She spent countless hours reading to students throughout the Portsmouth community, encouraging a lifelong love of books and storytelling. Irma was also an active member of several poetry societies and the local Red Hat Society, where she enjoyed fellowship, friendship, and sharing her creativity with others.
At 80 years young, Irma courageously left her lifelong home in Southern Ohio and moved to Northern Texas to be near her family. She embraced this new chapter with an adventurous spirit, taking great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their visits, laughter, and everyday moments became some of her greatest treasures.
Irma’s faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, she was a longtime member of Christ’s Community Church in Portsmouth, Ohio, where she found a loving church family.
Irma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne Cooper, with whom she shared 55 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in October 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents, George and Orla Smith, and her siblings, Roger, Joyce, and Randal.
She leaves behind a legacy of love through her daughters, Tami Cooper and Lori McCord; her granddaughters, Aryn Bobst, Krystin Piatt, Ryan Hale, and Alyssa Williams; and her eleven cherished great-grandchildren: Ethan, Jack, Roslyn, Donovan, Connor, Noelle, Laney, Isabelle, Alyvia, Jordan, and Nolan.
Irma’s life was a beautiful testimony to faith, creativity, resilience, and love. We like to imagine that she’s in Heaven spending her time with her husband and sharing poetry with the angels. We know that her stories will live in the hearts of those who love her.
You are deeply loved, dearly missed, and forever remembered.
A celebration of Irma’s life will be held at Christ’s Community Church 2433 25th St., Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 on November 10 at 11am to allow family and friends the opportunity to gather and honor her memory.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your public library in honor of Irma’s love of reading, writing, and inspiring young minds.
Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of Irma or condolences for her family.
