Laura (Cooper) Overton

Laura Ellen Cooper Overton of Corapeake, NC peacefully closed her eyes departing this life and entered her life in eternity on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Laura leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that has touched many lives. Her life was a testament of resilience, devotion, and community spirit.

Born in  Corapeake. NC on January 18, 1953, Laura was the loving daughter of the late Claude Raymond and Ethel Lee Gary Cooper. Laura attended T.S. Cooper Elementary, Central High School, and Gates County High School. She was an enthusiastic cheerleader in high school and graduated with the class of 1971. Upon earning an Associate’s Degree at the College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC, Laura continued her  studies at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) earning a Bachelor of Science in Education. Laura was dedicated to education and serving her community.  She worked in Gates County Public Schools as a teacher assistant at Sunbury Elementary School and as a teacher at T.S. Cooper Elementary and Central Middle School. Laura served her community as a local 4H Club leader and taught a GED program for local inmates. After retirement, Laura continued to show her passion for education by working as a substitute teacher. She was a mentor, advocate, and friend throughout her journey helping others. Laura was sassy, strong, confident, and never shy about speaking her mind.

Laura was a devout member of Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church from childhood. Laura cherished her roles in the church and was faithful in her service at Zion. Her faith and love for God sustained her through life’s challenges, especially as her health began to decline. In her final days, Laura continued to praise God for his grace throughout her life.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents Claude and Ethel Cooper, her husband, William “Bill” Overton, two brothers: George Thomas Cooper and Matthew “Dukie” Cooper (Delsi), and a sister Clarice Cooper Gray (George).

Laura leaves to cherish her memory: her loving son, William Eric Overton, one granddaughter McKenzie Overton, two brothers: Claude Edward Cooper (Linda) of Enfield, NC and Gary Cooper of Corapeake, NC; two sisters: Ethel “Wencie” Norfleet (Dalvin) of Elizabeth City, NC and  Iona “Neat” Nash (Gerald) of Virginia Beach, VA; an especially close niece, Laurie Scott of Virginia Beach, VA; one beloved aunt: Mary Helen Wolfrey of Elizabeth City, NC, three goddaughters: Dana Nicole Griffin of Suffolk, VA and Trinity and Sumayah Freeman of Corapeake, NC, a “like-a-sister” cousin Emma Jean Riddick, a special daughter in love, Sabrina Butler (Cecil), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends, and community members who will cherish her memory forever.

Laura Ellen Cooper Overton, you will be missed dearly but remembered fondly for your unwavering spirit and the love you shared with the world.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on August 8, 2025, from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church, Corapeake, NC at 1:00 pm

The family will begin receiving guest on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 977 MIddle Swamp Road, Corapeake, NC.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Laura (Cooper) Overton, please visit our floral store.