Devona Janell Cooper

Gone away from us way too soon,
Devona Janell Pratt-Cooper was born July 13th, 1978 in Omaha, Nebraska. Her proud parents, Thelma Rashelle Kirkland & Orval Mackins.

She grew up in the South O community, attended Indian Hill and South High Schools. As a young child, she had so many influences and teachings. A community that lavishes her with love, support, goodwill & happiness. In 1993, with her family, she moved to Laurel, Mississippi. The night of her graduation from Watkins High School, she stood proudly on the football field where commencement was being held, with her infant baby girl My'Ceshia on her hip as she received her high school diploma. Devona soon moved back to Omaha with her Grandma Mae, until she delivered her second child Ja'Taun. Meeting the young love of her life, Jace Cooper Sr, they went on to rear two more children, Lil Jace & Ja'Cya. Devona & Jace shared their own incredible love story for 28 years. They were married June 17th, 2017.

Devona was employed with The Salvation Army for l 6yrs. She began her employment first as a security officer. After receiving her Associates' Degree from Metro Tech Community College in Medical Office Management, she was promoted to Administration Assistant until her death. She also held down part time employment with Lasting Hope as a patient registration for over 8 years. Devona, Jace & their family shared an amazing love story of their own. One deeply rooted in love, honor, trust, and faith. She was a devoted provider & keeper of her family. Working two jobs never seemed to interfere with home responsibilities as well as the abundance of outside activities involving her children, grandchildren, family & friends.
She had a magical way that lit up a room with her presence. Her joyful smile & heartfelt warm welcoming. Her compassion, wisdom, courage, & faith. Her willingness to love beyond measures. To achieve & reach a little higher-so many valuable lessons taught.

Her family, her love, her very own life's story! Throughout her life's journey, she acquired many, many friends along her way. Friendships that were everlasting no matter which walk of life they may have encountered. She taught us so many important life lessons that will forever be instilled in our hearts and the choices we make.

With bowed heads, and sadden hearts, for us, this is way too soon to speak on saying goodbye, but with broken hearts and unwavering " faith" ---we pray, Father God hears our cries, heals us, comfort & guide us! We heartfeltly thank each and every one of you for whatever role you may have had in her life, be it a reason, a season or a lifetime-thank you for your help that transformed our Devona from that little girl, to that precious woman she is today!

She is preceded in death by her father-Orval E. Mackins, brother Lamont Ramone Pratt, grandmother-Lina Mae Pratt, great-grandmother-Nellie Sample, aunt-Diane Pratt, uncle(s)-Kevin Pratt, Tony Hazard, mother n law-Acra Cooper & grandmother n law-Ellen Cooper.

Forever cherishing her memories: Husband-Jace Ramarr Cooper Sr, Mother Thelma Rashelle Pratt-Kirkland, (2) daughters-My'Ceshia K. Terrell, Ja'Cya S. Cooper, (2) sons-Ja'Taun M. Pratt, Jace R. Cooper Jr, stepson-Jaydn Cooper (Winterset, Iowa), (3) grandchildren Thomas Heam Jr, Harlem L. Hearn, Cainen L. Hearn, brother(s)-Marlon T. Pratt (Brooklyn Center MN), Keenan Nelson, Antonio Mackins, Donald Durant, Arvin Jones, sisters-Richetta Henry, Orvella Biggs, Samona Jones, LaSherrie Palmer & Venecia Larry. Aunts-Patricia Commodore, Ida Bums, Betty Jones, Janice Hazard, Ernestine Mitchell, Thelma Perkins, Janice Bristol, Ollie M. Cunningham, uncles-Michael Pratt, Alfred Pratt, Darren Mackins. Adrian Mackins. Best friends-Dawn Williams, Keisha Birdene, Nicole TalleyRenfro. Extended family whom played major roles in her upbringing-Stepmom Margarette Durant, Lamont Kirkland, The Harris Family-Laverne, Samuel, Tracy, Mary, Caladia & Joe.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonor others,
it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
and it keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13