Life Reflections In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. -- Romans 8:37-39 *** Jean Rosaland Cleo Cooper Stewart was born April 9, 1945, to the late Timothy Cooper and Retha Thomas Cooper in Cades, South Carolina. After lighting the lives of her family, friends and students, Jean went to shine an even brighter light at her new home in heaven on February 17, 2020. Jean was educated in the Marion and Charleston School Districts, graduating from Burke High School in Charleston, SC in 1963. There she played the clarinet in the marching band and orchestra. It was always fun to listen to Jean, her sisters and cousins talking about their lives while growing up. Blessed with so much love between them, even the hard work and sometimes dark times seemed to build stronger bonds and greater love. After high school, Jean traveled to Orangeburg, SC to attend Claflin College. There she majored in Social Science, curated life-long friendships full of love and laughter, became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, was named “Best Dressed,” and met her future husband, Arthur Stewart. Jean graduated from Claflin in 1967 and married Arthur on August 6, 1967. From that union came two curious and somewhat spoiled, but lovable children, Demetrius Tyrone and Deirdra Minon. Her life’s passion was to be an educator and change the lives of young people. To accomplish this goal, she earned her master’s degree in Counseling from the University of South Carolina. Jean has always been an active member in her community and for her students. She was a true friend and confidant to all those in her circle. The family settled in Aiken County where Jean would spend 34 years as a teacher and a high school guidance counselor. She sincerely enjoyed seeing the growth of her students and how she may have played a small part in their overall success in life. For many years after her retirement, her students would stop her everywhere to express their thanks for her mentorship. After retirement from North Augusta High School in 2001, she savored her new roles as a grandmother to Dominique, great grandmother to Tristan, traveling to see her daughter in North Carolina and Georgia, and spending time with family and friends. Jean received the Lord as a young girl and carried that in her daily walk. She is a member of 2nd Providence Baptist Church in North Augusta, SC, and attended regularly until she became ill. Bethesda United Methodist Church was her first love. Bethesda has been a steadfast guide for her and the Cooper family in Kingstree. Those who will continue to honor her by shining her light include: her husband, Arthur Stewart (North Augusta, SC); two children, Demetrius Stewart (North Augusta, SC) and Deirdra Williams (Atlanta, GA); one granddaughter, Dominique Stewart (North Augusta, SC); one great-grandson, Tristan Lucas, (North Augusta, SC); one son-law, Darren Williams (Atlanta, GA); one daughter-in-law, Ellen Carlson (North Augusta, SC); mother-in-law, Christine Stewart (North Augusta, SC); four sisters, Velva Cooper (Kingstree, SC), Rev. Jeannette Cooper (Florence, SC), Sandra Mack (Atlanta, GA) and Flora Shaw (Kingstree, SC); two aunts, Rochelle Pinson (Winston Salem, NC) and Georgianna Sinkfield (Atlanta, GA); five sisters-in-law, Mozelle Stewart (North Augusta, SC), Joanne Stewart (Augusta, GA), Delores Stewart (North Augusta, SC), Katie Cooper (Palm Coast, Florida) and Philippa Steward (Fort Washington, MD); three brothers-in-law, James Steward (Fort Washington, MD), Dozelle Stewart (Augusta, GA) and Tommie Mack, Jr. (Atlanta, GA); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. And we cannot forget, two grand dogs, DJ (Jean favored the name Bootsie) and Fern!.