Elizabeth Ross Cooper

Mrs. Elizabeth Ross Cooper, of Hickory, formerly of Morganton, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Jane Elizabeth Ross on Dec. 24, 1954, to the late Charles Robert Ross and the late Ruby Dale Ross of Morganton. 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.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 47 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 2-3 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 Rev. 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. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.