Committal
Mrs. Elizabeth Ross Cooper, of Hickory, North Carolina, formerly of Morganton, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Jane Elizabeth Ross on December 24, 1954, to the late Charles Robert Ross and the late Ruby Dale Ross of Morganton, North Carolina. She graduated from Salem High School in 1972 and from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1976.
During her time in college, she developed an interest in journalism and served as a staff writer and later editor of The Journal, the university newspaper. After graduation, she returned to Morganton and began working as the news director for WMNC-WQXX, a Cooper Broadcasting station, where she later became sales manager. While working at Cooper Broadcasting, Inc., she met her husband, Joe Cooper, and together they operated the radio station for over 48 years, continuing the family business that has served Burke County for generations.
She was very active in the community serving on the Board of Directors of the Morganton Chamber of Commerce, the Morganton Community Appearance Commission, and the Board of Directors of the Bank of Granite. She served in numerous positions for the Morganton Garden Club, including Vice President, District Chairman and Director, and President of District #2. She also served as Vice President and later President of the Burke County United Way. In 1986 she was named Burke County Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women’s Club and in 1987 she received the United Way Award of Excellence.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her father, Charles Robert Ross, and her mother, Ruby Dale Ross, both of Morganton, North Carolina.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, Joe Cooper; daughter, Dr. Erin Cooper (Daniel Shaver); grandchild, Brooklynn Elizabeth Shaver; sister, Susan Ross Clark (Carl); nephew, William Charles Garrison (Charity); and great-nieces, Mary Lou Hope Garrison and Cora Gwendolyn Garrison.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Monday, March 16, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The service will begin at 3 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with The Reverend Dr. David Melton officiating.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer in support of research for gynecologic and endometrial cancers. Contributions may be made at (foundationforwomenscancer.org).
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Leave a tribute for Mrs. Elizabeth Ross Cooper.
Sincere condolences to the entire Ross-Cooper family. I have found memories of family dinners with Elizabeth, Joe and Erin. She had a lovely laugh, a good sense of humor and showed up whole-heartedly for her family and community. She will be greatly missed. Much love and prayers
Elizabeth, you are going to be greatly missed by all who knew you and/or came in contact with you. You definitely left a phenomenal mark on Burke County as a whole. I am going to miss our sharing of decorated holidays which were so much alike. I think of you every time I start decorating. Rest in peace, my dear friend!
Joe and Erin Saddened to hear about the passing of Elizabeth. May the pain you may feel in your heart, soon transform into pleasant and forever memories. She will be missed but not forgotten Rhodney Honeycutt
So many good memories working together. Sending love to Joe and the family. You all take care. John Causby
Sending sincere condolences to the Cooper family on the transition of Mrs. Libby Cooper. She was such a sweet spirit and always willing to help different community organizations. May GOD strengthen you all during the difficult days ahead.
Elizabeth was one of the smartest, kindest, most capable people on the planet. She and Joe were always so good to me and my family. I believe my two granddaughters thought of them as their “extra grandparents”. My sincerest condolences to the entire Cooper family. My prayers are with you and all who will experience the profound sense of loss when they learn of her passing.
I remember your mother so fondly Erin. She was a very sweet lady. My condolences.
Sorry to hear about Jane Passing away. She was a very sweet girl. I graduated with Jane at Salem High School in 1972. Praying for all the Family. From: Rachel Causby Morgan.