Sept. 9, 1943 – March 26, 2017

NATCHEZ — Graveside services for Louise W. Cooley, 73, of Vidalia, who died Sunday, March 26, 2017, at her residence, will be 10 a.m., Wednesday at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Kunnumpuram officiating.
Burial will follow at the Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Mrs. Cooley was born Sept. 9, 1943, in Ferriday, the daughter of Frank and Emma Mitchell Waltman.
She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Vidalia. She taught school for 32 years. Mrs. Cooley tried to retire at one time and made it for a year but missed working and the children so much that she went back to teaching the very next year. Had it not been for a stroke she would have taught until she was called home.
She absolutely loved visiting with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. She was quick to greet you with a beautiful smile, shining blue eyes and a “love you” which she meant with all her heart. She loved sitting with her tablet checking in on family and friends on facebook. Her facebook “likes this” will surely be missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Henry Cooley; and one grandson, Patrick Cooley.
Survivors include her three sons, Hank Cooley and wife, Hilary, of Natchez, Bernie Cooley and wife, Shannon, and David Cooley and wife, Renee, (who thinks she was the favorite) all of Vidalia; eight grandchildren, Trey Cooley and wife, Taylor, Tyler Cooley, Kris Cooley, Madi Cooley, Sam Cooley, Matt Cooley, Katie McGehee and husband, Erik, and Ashlyn Cooley; three great-grandchildren, Andi Cooley, Charli Cooley and Jami McGehee; one sister, Lily Chase of Baton Rouge; one brother, William Waltman and wife, Faye, of Coushatta; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is also survived by her puppies, Tristan and Brie.
Pallbearers will be Trey Cooley, Tyler Cooley, Kris Cooley, Sam Cooley, Matt Cooley and Erik McGehee.
Honorary pallbearers will be Katie Cooley, Ashlyn Cooley, Madi Cooley, Alex Norris, Nick Norris, Bruce Wiley and Sam Thomas.
The family extends a huge thank you for Annette McCray for taking such great care of our mother. Thank you for the love, kindness, compassion and friendship you shared with our mother, she loved you dearly.
Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.