Lucille Bowman Cooper Denham, known to her family as "MaMa," passed away Friday, July 1, 2011, at age 98. She was in nursing home care for 10 months. She was married first to Reuben Sommers Cooper, a much loved and respected merchant of Denham Springs for 47 years. Lucille and Reuben lived in Denham Springs, contributing much to community life as they raised their two daughters, Suzanne and Carolyn. Reuben passed away in 1975. Lucille was very creative and her flower arrangements were often admired at weddings or church altars and other special occasions. She was a much loved Girl Scout leader and Sunday school teacher. Her lifelong interest in history led her to devote a significant amount of time to recording genealogy and Livingston Parish history. A common interest in history and family research led to a friendship with Guy Morgan Denham. Lucille and Guy were married in 1979. Guy passed away in 1985. She was a charter member of Edward Livingston Historical Association and French Settlement Historical Association. Lucille served each of these organizations as president and as president of ELHA contributed much to the development and publication of the book, "Livingston Parish History," in 1986. Other historical organizations she was involved in are: United Daughters of Confederacy, Joan Wadell Chapter; Louisiana Historical Association, Lafayette; Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical Society; The Louisiana Genealogy Register, Baton Rouge; Bates Association, Green, Maine; The West Florida Republic Association; and La and Comité des archives de Louisiane'. Lucille was also preceded in death by three brothers, Willie, T.J, and Bryon Bowman; and two sisters, Annie Mae Hancock and Hilda Ratcliff. Lucille is survived by her two daughters, Suzanne Cooper Koonce and her husband, Norman L., of McLean, Va., and Carolyn Watson Daniels and her husband, Joe, of Huntsville, Ala. "MaMa" is also survived by seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Her family and many friends will remember and continue to be inspired by her loving, caring and generous spirit. Visitation will be Friday, July 8, from 10 a.m. until religious service at noon at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd. Burial will be in Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to French Settlement Historical Society, P.O. Box 365, French Settlement, LA, 70733-0365, or Edward Livingston Historical Association, P.O. Box 67, Livingston, LA 70754-0067.

Published in The Advocate on July 7, 2011