Wilma Lee Cooper Passes

Dave A. Burley · Post by **Dave A. Burley** » 16 Sep 2011 1:52 pm

Wilma Lee Cooper has passed. Wilma Lee played for years with her husband, Stoney Cooper. Stoney preceeded her in death several years ago. Wilma's career came to an end when she suffered a stroke on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in 2001. She was 90 years old. Her last appearance was at the re-opening of the Opry Place after flood damage was repaired. I believe that was late last year. Wilma is a legend in both country and bluegrass music.
Rest in peace Wilma Lee.
Dave A. Burley

Steve Green · Post by **Steve Green** » 16 Sep 2011 2:08 pm

I'm truly sorry to hear that.

Just last night, our gospel group, The Sounds of Joy, performed at a local nursing home for the residents. We did "Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill". I didn't know that she had passed away, or we'd have made mention of it.

Prayers going out for the family.

Terry Wood · Post by **Terry Wood** » 16 Sep 2011 8:19 pm

I loved Wilma and Stoney and band, especially my favorite, their song titled "GOD Gave Noah The Rainbow Sign!"

She is with JESUS now celebrating!

Terry Wood

David Beckner · Post by **David Beckner** » 16 Sep 2011 10:35 pm

Truly a sad day for country and gospel music.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 17 Sep 2011 2:36 am

I remember hearing her and Stoney on the old Wheeling WWVA Jamboree. I first saw them in person in 1965 at Valley View Park, in Helam (York) Pa. They were the headline act and we were the "local" band on the show.

That show was the first time I saw Joe Edwards, who was working with Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper's band.

pdl20 · Post by **pdl20** » 17 Sep 2011 12:39 pm

Truly a sad day ,another part of country music gone

Michael Breid · Post by **Michael Breid** » 18 Sep 2011 7:29 am

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper were country music classics. I always wondered how that Martin D-45 she played could withstand the rough way she played it, but it seemed to hold up. May she and Stoney liven up the Heavenly band.

Clyde Mattocks · Post by **Clyde Mattocks** » 18 Sep 2011 9:21 am

Loved me some Coopers. They came about in the time there was no distiction between country and bluegrass, just honest hillbilly music. Jimmie Crawford did some great work with them on non pedal and later pedal steel. The great Gene Wooten played dobro with Wilma Lee in her later career. Some exciting music and some fine players (Joe Edwards was mentioned above) came thru that band.

Ken Lang · Post by **Ken Lang** » 18 Sep 2011 4:24 pm

I used to do, "Like the weather your heart changes with each season."

In 40 years I never talked to a person who had ever heard that song.

robert kramer · Post by **robert kramer** » 20 Sep 2011 6:59 am

Wilma Lee Cooper New York Times obituary:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/19/arts/ ... at-90.html

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Wilma Lee Cooper Passes

Wilma Lee Cooper Passes

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