Thea Cooper

Thea McAvoy Cooper, 61, of Clinton Township, Michigan, was called home to be with the Lord on August 3, 2025. Thea was gifted with creativity, leadership, organization, a great sense of humor, and the ability to strike up a conversation. She also gave of her time generously. She was a loyal wife, mother, daughter, aunt, and friend. Thea grew up in Lost Creek, West Virginia, and graduated from South Harrison High School in 1982. While there, she participated in band, Club-God Squad, was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council, served as editor on the Executive Yearbook Staff, and attended Girls State. She graduated from Fairmont State College with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice. While there, she served as president of Alpha Phi Sigma – National Criminal Justice Honor Society. After graduating college, Thea moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where she worked for the U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Virginia. She started in the Clerk’s Office, where she took on additional responsibilities, including learning new positions, training others, and travelling to other courthouses in the district. She was selected to go to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, to assist with the computerized court system. Thea’s next position there was Courtroom Deputy for the Honorable T.S. Ellis III. They worked long hours in the courtroom and developed a close relationship. He even officiated Thea and Don’s wedding. She then went on to serve as Secretary for the Honorable Albert V. Bryan, Jr, a true southern gentleman who always called her Mrs. Cooper. She enjoyed her time there, but when the judge decided to take senior status, the timing was right to be a stay-at-home mother. Shortly after that, Thea and her family moved to Michigan. After moving to Michigan, Thea joined the Newcomers Club of Macomb County, a group to help people who recently moved to the area meet people. She made lifetime friends there, and served on numerous board and activity chair positions. She was instrumental to the success of the Annual Dinner Dance at Fern Hill Country Club, where funds were generated for charities, including Turning Point and Macomb Literacy Project. As her children started elementary school, they participated in Cub Scouts. Thea served as Den Leader and Committee Chair. While working on a family tree project, Thea discovered that we had shared relatives with the other Den Leader. As the boys aged out of Cub Scouts, they moved on to Boy Scouts, where Thea served as Committee Chair. The birth of Thea and Don’s third child presented the opportunity to participate in the Scouting program for many more years. All three children participated in the band program from middle school through high school. Thea was an active member of the Chippewa Valley Band Boosters. She volunteered her time there in many activities including Marching Band, Craft Shows, Winter Drum Line, Senior Night, and Band Banquet. She also served as president of Band Boosters. Thea was a member of Woodside Bible Church in Troy, Michigan. While there, she served in different positions including room coordinator for pre-school and co-director for Kreative Kids Day Camp. Thea was an excellent cook and hosted many parties. She took cake decorating and floral design classes. While in Virginia, she hosted an annual Christmas party for the block. Her attention to detail was impeccable, and she even handcrafted the Christmas tree decorations. Thea’s interests include reading, cross-stitching, scrapbooking, and quilting. She made many dear friends while quilting and went on many retreats. She recently took up knitting. Other interests including cruising, lying on the beach, and spending time in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. One of her favorite places was Lido Key, Sarasota, Florida, where she would spend hours on the beach taking in the sun and talking with the people around her. Thea is survived by her husband of 33 years, Don, children Brady, Cole, and Seth, Mother Nancy Ball, siblings Wendy (Steve) Main, and Brian (Kay) McAvoy, great-aunt Barbara Tharp, Aunt Mary (John) Hovey, and adopted grandson Wyatt Davis, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, In-laws, and friends. Thea was preceded in death by her father Garford McAvoy. Thea was a dynamic force who inspired those around her. She will be deeply missed by her adoring family and so many dear friends. In Thea’s words, reflected with the love and wisdom she carried throughout her life, “Amor Fati”! A memorial service will be held at Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors, Sterling Heights Chapel, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with visiting hours from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a service being held at 7:00 pm. Internment at Lost Creek Seventh Day Baptist Cemetery in Lost Creek, West Virginia at a future date.

Thea Cooper

July 17, 1964 - August 3, 2025