Edward Charles Cooper

Edward Charles Cooper, born February 3, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois, was the third of four children to the late Charlie and Ida Mae Cooper. At the young age of two years old, Edward's family moved to Jackson, MS where he spent his childhood and attended Jackson Public Schools: Walton Elementary, Brinkley Middle, Bailey Magnet, and Murrah High School. He continued his education at the Jackson State Education Learning Center, and Job Corps' Mechanic Training, in Morgan Field, Kentucky. Edward grew up in the Shady Oaks community and was baptized at Cade Chapel M.B. Church under the leadership of Reverend Buckley. He later joined Virden Grove M.B. Church, which was under the leadership of Reverend L.L. Williams.

At the age of eighteen (18), Edward moved to Atlanta, GA, where he was affectionately known as Slim and Too Tall. While living in Atlanta, he worked for his uncle, Richard Spann, for numerous years at Richard Dry Wall. One weekend, while visiting Jackson, he had the opportunity to reconnect with Mary Ford, whom he had known since kindergarten. On July 5, 1986, Edward married Mary, the love of his life, and they moved from Atlanta to Jackson in 1988.

After moving back to Mississippi, Edward was employed with Percy Dry Wall, Beemon Drugs, Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) Central Supply, and MSDH WIC Distribution Center as a Supervisor at the Raymond and Jackson Medical Mall locations. Edward was called into the ministry on November 25, 1989, under the leadership of Rev. Charles A. Thurman at Virden Grove M.B. Church. He was Licensed to the ministry at Virden Grove M.B Church January 9,1990. He was Ordained to the ministry at Virden Grove M.B. Church May 24,1992. Pastor Cooper Christian Education through Southern Baptist includes Experiencing God December 1993. 100 hours of Christian study courses in 1994. The Mind of Christ November 1995. Step by Step through New Testament in November 1196, 1997. Pastor Cooper also held a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from New Foundation Theological Seminary in Terry, MS. After becoming a part of the ministry, Pastor Cooper found a mentor in Pastor Walter Bowie of Koinonia Baptist Church in Jackson, MS. Pastor Cooper's service to the Lord includes pastoring Christian Fellowship M.B. Church (Star, MS), pastoring and leading True Believers in Christ (Jackson, MS), and founding and pastoring New Beginnings Fellowship Baptist Church (Jackson, MS). In addition to pastoring, Rev. Cooper taught the deacon ministry, was a member of the Spirit of Mission Club, Minister's Alliance, Laborers of the Vineyard Community Choir, and served as the associate and youth minister at New Life Fellowship M.B. Church.

Upon relocating to Las Vegas, NV, Pastor Cooper and his family joined Progressive Pilgrims Fellowship (PPF), which was under the leadership of Pastor Darryl Caston. During his time at PPF, he served as an Associate Minister. Pastor Cooper was later united with Greater Carver M.B. Church, under the leadership of Pastor Alphonse McCleod. There he served as a youth minister, Sunday school and Bible study teacher, and served on the bus ministry. Following the exodus of Pastor Darryl Caston, Pastor Cooper was installed as pastor of Progressive Pilgrims Fellowship on February 11, 2011. The shepherd ship of Pastor Cooper, his steadfastness in Christ and vision Christ gave him, cause spiritual growth and expansion at Progressive. Ministries grew and new ones began. Their Three-Square Ministry expanded and touched numerous lives in many ways.

Additionally, the church's plan/vision for evangelism translated into the Evangelism Council, which focused on preparedness and training to claim souls for Christ in Las Vegas and surrounding cities through teaching and outreach efforts. Furthermore, the Shepherd's Ministry, Sisters-in-Spirit, and the Audio-Visual Ministries were instituted. From 2011 until his death, Rev. Cooper served as pastor of Progressive Pilgrims Fellowship. All the churches he pastored knew his door was always open. Pastor Cooper was a true man of God, a devoted husband, father, Paw Paw, and spiritual leader. He truly enjoyed family time, golfing, bowling, watching sports, Western and Karate movies. His favorite was John Wayne and Bruce Lee. His saying "John Wayne si a terrible thang" That was known as his Belt. He was an awesome pastor who loved God's people, who loved preaching and teaching God's word, and made sure he taught what is expected of us as children of God. He truly lived by one of his favorite scriptures, Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." He never met a stranger and was loved and respected by many.

Edward departed this life to join our heavenly Father on September 28, 2025, and was proceeded in death by his parents (Charlie and Ida Mae Cooper), and dearest fried (Rev. Charles Monroe). He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and committed wife Mary E. Cooper, four children; two daughters: Katrina Cousin (Jermaine), Kimberlee Cooper; two sons: Cedrick Cooper (Christy), and Davion "Max" Cooper; two grandchildren: DeAsia Henderson, and Cooper McKee. In addition, he leaves four sisters: Mary L. Cooper and Charlotte Cooper Williams, both of Las Vegas, NV, Colette of Milwaukee, and Patricia of Chicago; and one brother: Ben Spann (Gwen). He also leaves a bonus son, Willie Stapleton, eldest nephew John Wesley Ford III, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28.