Reverend Talton Cooper

“Many a man proclaims his own loving-kindness and goodness, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him” Amplified Bible(Proverbs 20:6-7).

REFLECTIONS OF LIFE

Reverend Talton Cooper, 89 of Graham, Texas, led a life of grace, courage, strength, and dignity. Surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones, he passed away on October 9, 2026

His Heritage and Education

Rev. Talton Cooper was born on March 23, 1937, the only child of Reamus A. and Corine Epperson Cooper.

Talton graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Mineral Wells TX. He studied Industrial Arts at the historic (HBCU) Prairie View A&M University located in Prairie View, TX.

Rev. Cooper met and fell in love with Sherlie M. Guillory during the summer of 1958. They then married the next summer on June 27, 1959. There were 3 children born to union.

His Profession

Rev. Cooper was nothing short of multitalented. Over the course of his life, he worked in several professions and was also an entrepreneur. His entrepreneurship includes Wilco (Williams and Cooper) – a home remodeling enterprise; Cooper Remodeling and Woodworking which included restoration of properties for US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, building of shipping containers for local businesses, furniture restoration, and acquisition of real estate.

His work experience includes employment at the historic Baker Hotel, Southern Airways, Big State Industries, and the United States Postal Service in Mineral Wells, TX. He retired from USPS after 38 yrs of service.

Rev. Cooper lived his life following Christ and preaching the gospel. He faithfully served as Senior Pastor of the historic Mt Zion Baptist Church, Graham TX from October 1987 to October 2026.

His Faith and Ministry

Anointed by God, Rev. Cooper began his servant ministry at Bethel Baptist Church in Mineral Wells, TX. He held various positions at Bethel from 1960 to 1987. He served as a Deacon, Trustee, Brotherhood President, and Sunday School Superintendent. As a servant to God and the church, his dedication and volunteerism was very evident. On many days ,he worked on repair projects at the church.

He was mentored by the late Rev. Henry L. Smith Sr. and was a minister in training from 1981 to 1987 at Bethel. He was ordained by Rev. Smith in 1987 and then transitioned to pastoral work in Graham TX. He was the Senior Pastor at the historic Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Graham until he formally retired 39 years later on October 4, 2026.

Under his leadership, Mt. Zion holds a distinctive historical status as being the only African American Church within the City of Graham.

His Accomplishments and Legacy

Rev. Cooper served as the President of the Dunbar Neighborhood Council, an interracial organization in Mineral Wells, TX dedicated to “environmental education.” During his leadership, he spearheaded initiatives to preserve and protect the historic African American School named after Paul Lawrence Dunbar.

He had a passion for coaching and training youth. From 1968 to 1978, he served as a coach for Mineral Wells Little League and Pony League Baseball teams, Mineral Wells/Ft Wolters TX Pop Warner Football teams, Jaycees Youth Basketball teams, and served as an Asst. Scoutmaster for Troop 200, Longhorn District of TX. Rev. Cooper also served as Treasurer and Assistant Moderator for the Progressive West Texas Baptist District Association of Churches. He was a member of Prince Hall Masonic Temple, Mineral Wells, member of the Jaycees, (MW), and was a candidate for the Mineral Wells City Council. In Graham, TX he served several years as a member of the Lions Club and the Graham Ministerial Alliance.

For over 39 years, Rev. Cooper worked to preserve the historic Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Realizing that his pastoral work was complete, he formally retired as pastor of Mt. Zion on October 4, 2026.

His Lineage

Rev. Cooper leaves to cherish his legacy: his striking wife for 67 years, Sherlie M. Cooper of Graham, TX; three sons - Talton “Pat” Jr. (Grace) of Houston, TX; Troy Delane of Graham, TX, Tony Desmond of Arlington, TX; Bonus son – Eugene White (Stephanie) of Houston, TX; 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, many other relatives, friends, spiritual leaders, and laborers in Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents Reamus A. and Corine Epperson Cooper and his granddaughter Crystal M. Cooper.