Darien Cooper

Our mother, our sister, our beloved friend. Selfless and kind in every way. The lives she touched will truly never be the same. A beautiful soul with a heart for service to others. Her generosity knew no bounds. Smile through the tears, and join us in celebrating a life filled with joy and prayer. Gone, but never forgotten. In our hearts forever.

 

Darien was born on June 14, 1947 to the late Steve Henry McCormick, Sr., and Josie Mae Dixon in Tampa, Florida. She attended Middleton Senior High School. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, mother, grandmother, and friend who was always there when we needed her. She was quick-witted, filled with life, beyond humorous, and the best advice giver ever! Darien loved to shop and spend quality time with her entire family. She welcomed everyone into her heart and care. She never turned anyone away that was in need. Because of this, she was always recognized as a well-loved family member and an exceptional member of her community.

 

Darien was a member of St. Matthew’s Missionary Baptist Church, officiated by Servant/Pastor W. D. Sims. She held a career as a dietitian at Charter Hospital located in Tampa, Florida for 10 years. Darien continued her career as the Head VPK teacher at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for 20 years.

 

On May 22, 2014, Darien was awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Rev. Dr. H. L. Daniels and his loving wife, Sister Daniels for her dedicated service as the Head VPK Teacher at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to her career, she was also a caterer for many years and one of her most proud moments was becoming a founding member of the MacDill Air Force Base Gospel Choir.

 

Ms. Darien (McCormick) Cooper gained her wings on June 14, 2022, and she was preceded in death by her parents, Steve H. McCormick, Sr., and Josie Mae Vickers; brothers, Clarence L Brooks, Steve H. McCormick, Sr. and Charles R. Brooks; sister, Eva Bush; and daughter, Althea Gaines Knighton. Darien leaves to cherish fond memories shared with her daughter, Tangella Streets Pilcher, and son, Joseph G. Streets (Willette); Grandchildren, Chelsey Knighton, Roderick Knighton, Zacchaeus Knighton, Alyssa R. Streets, Asia M. Streets, and Lloyd “Victor” Pilcher, Jr.; brothers, Larry Brooks (Darlene), Rev. Willie F. Brooks, twin brother, Donald McCormick (Brenda) and Warren A. Brooks; sisters, Carolyn P. Reed Watkins (friend, Gary), and Sandra A. Thompson (Rev. Clyde D. Thompson); devoted God-brothers, Anthony Frierson and Melton Taylor (Hazel) of Melbourne, Florida; a host of devoted cousins, nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.