Phyllis "Cook" Deming Cooper

Phyllis Cook Deming Cooper, 94, passed away at her residence at River Landing in Colfax, NC, on June 3, 2017. A memorial service with be held on June 24 at 1 pm at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 303 Eastchester Drive in High Point with Father Ken Kroohs officiating. She will be inurned, at a later date, at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. aside her late husband. A native of Washington, D.C., Phyllis was the daughter of the late Florence Thomas and Dr. Guy Shimer Cook. One of her fondest memories as a child was seeing Albert Einstein. She was married to the late Albert Rufus Deming who died in 1952. Phyllis served as one of the first female United States Marine Corp recruits. She began her service in 1944 and was the second female Marine to receive Aviation pay as an aerial photographer. A strong, beautiful woman, Phyllis kept those who knew her laughing with her wonderful and unique sense of humor and her amazing stories. She lived her life to the fullest with her adventurous spirit. She was a world traveler who loved visiting 12th Century Churches and museums but her favorite adventure was on her 75th birthday when she was treated to a ride in a hot air balloon by her family. Phyllis always regretted that she had not finished her college education at a younger age, due to the war, and returned to college later in life, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology at the age of 70. She worked as a docent at the Smithsonian Institute. Phyllis generously established the Phyllis Cooper Fund through Family Service of the Piedmont. The fund has assisted dozens of victims of domestic violence and their families to obtain independence and hope for their futures. She is survived by her son, Daniel James Deming, of Big Bear, California; and two daughters; Charlotte Deming McVearry, formerly of High Point, NC; and Cecily Deming Crofoot Hooks, formerly of Kernersville, NC. Both daughters now live in Greenville, NC. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Michael G. McVearry, Jr. and Shannon; Katy McVearry Appleman and Travis; Andrew McVearry and Elisa; Robert Crofoot and Amy; Jennifer Crofoot Evans and Jonjo; and Sean Crofoot. Her great-grandchildren include Rider Evans and Bekah; Haney Evans; Jack, Riley, and Margaret McVearry; Kaylee and Aaron Appleman; Rosemary and Juniper McVearry; Alexandra, Elizabeth and Jack Crofoot; and Eli Crofoot. The family will visit with friends immediately following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions may be made to the Phyllis Cooper Fund, c/o Family Services of the Piedmont, 1401 Long Street, High Point, NC 27262. Friends and family may sign, and view the guestbook at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com Service Information