Athalia Tayloe Cooper | Eastern NC Now

    Athalia Tayloe Cooper, affectionately known as Thalia to all who knew her, died on June 25, 2026, following a brief illness.

    Thalia was born in Washington on August 14, 1956, the daughter of the late Lee Morton and Athalia MacKenzie Cooper. She was educated in the Washington City Schools. Later she attended Saint Mary's College in Raleigh, then University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated with an English and Journalism degree. Thalia worked numerous positions during her life, from Chapel Hill to Boston, then Washington DC, then back to North Carolina.

    Thalia was a lifelong member of Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, which she loved, not only for its beauty, but its strong influence throughout her life. She loved fishing and swimming and always said she grew up in that river. She adored her family and her friends and was always doing a "quick favor" for someone.

    Thalia is survived by her brother Lee and wife Wendy Cooper and her sister Elizabeth of Washington; nieces and nephews, Kelly and Brooks Elks, and Morgan Cooper; and great nieces, Ryleigh and Kaylee Elks. She was preceded in death by her sister, Kathryn Forrest, with her husband Harry living still in Richmond, VA.

    So much care and kindness have been shown and has been enormously appreciated. Those wishing to send memorial contributions are asked to consider Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, specifically, The Episcopal Churchwomen (ECW) or the Backpack Buddies (BPB), also The Purpose of God, Eagle's Wings or to a charity of one's choice.

    A memorial service will be held in the churchyard outside of Brown Chapel at Saint Peter's Episcopal Church at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29th with the Reverend Chris Adams officiating. The family will greet friends following the service outside of Brown Chapel.

    Sincere thanks also to Paul Funeral Home, 900 John Small Avenue, for their compassionate service to the family.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Cooper family.