Charlene Burks Cooper, of Hinton, WV, age 75, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at The Villages of Greystone in Beaver, WV. Charlene was born in McDowell County, WV on January 11, 1951. She graduated from Welch High School in 1968 and Concord College in 1971. She received her master’s degree from the WV College of Graduate Studies in 1981. Charlene taught in Summers County schools from 1971 until she retired in 2006.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband Jerry L. Cooper in 1992; her parents, Robert and Nola Whittaker; her in-laws, Joe and Ethel Cooper; and a nephew, Jason Whittaker.

Charlene was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Hinton, where she served in various roles and was a member of the Emmaus Sunday School class. She was a past member of several educational and local service organizations. She was a lifetime member of the Summers County Retired School Employees.

Though Charlene was typically perceived as serious-minded, those who knew her well appreciated her great sense of humor. She consistently embraced and supported the academic, athletic, musical, and professional endeavors of her children and grandchildren. Charlene’s faith, tenacity, and resilience allowed her to overcome life-threatening illnesses in 2022 and return to her home until recently. She will be remembered as a driven, pragmatic, intelligent, and steadfast woman of faith.

Charlene is survived by two children: a daughter, Dr. Cheryl Cooper Smith (Kenneth) of Lebanon, PA, and a son, Brian J. Cooper of Hinton; two grandchildren, Natalie Smith and Aidan Smith of Lebanon, PA; three brothers, Robert Whittaker (Arlene) of Peterstown, WV, Roger Whittaker (Audrey) of Princeton, WV, and Randall Whittaker (Michelle) of Welch, WV; two nephews, Clinton Whittaker (Brittney) of Pearisburg, VA and Aaron Whittaker (Elisa) of Tucson, AZ; two nieces, Jessica Whittaker of Lashmeet, WV and Nikki Whittaker of Utah. She is also survived by a very special long-time friend, Linda Tickle, of South Charleston, WV.

Memorial services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Pivont Funeral Home Chapel in Hinton, WV, with Pastor Roy Lee “Butch” Honaker officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In keeping with Charlene’s wishes, she will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Charlene to the Hinton Area Foundation fund of your choice at godonate.akoyago.com/hintonareafoundation.