Catherine Reinike Cooper

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate our cherished Catherine, aka Mom, Sissy, Aunt Sissy, Mama Sis, Cathy, who departed this world on 2/19/2026, at the remarkable age of 102.

Born third of fourteen children, Catherine grew up in a lively Southern household filled with hand-me-down dresses, shared suppers, and stories told long past bedtime. Living in a large family unit taught her early how to speak up, how to stand her ground for her fair share of gumbo and fried fish, and most importantly, how to love big. Family was never just important — it was everything… James, Donnie, and Coop were her heart and soul.

Her cozy Klondyke home was the heart of every holiday. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter — it didn’t matter the occasion — if there was a reason to gather, her doors were open and her kitchen was busy. The scent of cornbread dressing and potato salad, pineapple-upside-down-cake cooling on the counter, and white gravy on the stove became the signature of her love. She believed no one should leave her house hungry, and no one ever did. She also believed Barq’s Root Beer (in the original bottle) was the most refreshing drink on earth. Around her living room, Justin Wilson records were played, Johnny Carson shows were watched, grandchildren’s theatrical plays were performed, and lifetime memories were stitched into the fabric of her family. 

Catherine carried the warmth of the South in her spirit and the rhythm of Mardi Gras Queen in her soul. Every year, when the fancy balls and dazzling galas began, her eyes would sparkle like she was a young girl again. She loved the colors, the elegance, the laughter, and the excuse to dress up and celebrate life just a little more grandly than usual. 

When she wasn’t hosting or celebrating, you might have found her at the Island View Casino, sitting proudly in front of “her” slot machine. She loved the lights, the sounds, and the thrill of pressing that button. Win or lose, she played with the same philosophy she lived by — enjoy the moment and don’t be afraid to take a chance. That wisdom extended far beyond, as seen with her opening of the first jewelry store in Long Beach, Cathy’s Jewelry and Gifts— a winner! 

She lived through wars, hardships, hurricanes, and tremendous change. She saw the world transform in ways she never could have imagined as a little girl growing up on a family farm in South Mississippi. Yet through it all, she remained steady — grounded in faith, family, and a fierce sense of gratitude. 

Catherine was predeceased by her parents, Chester and Edna Reinike; her husband, James Arthur Cooper, Sr;her adored son, Donald Guy Cooper; and her siblings; Henrietta Reinike, Irma Lillian Reinike, Elizabeth M Reinike, Marie Reinike Cassidy, Betty Reinike Dubuisson, Thelma Reinike Bistes, Mildred Reinike Perrier; Victor Reinike, Bernard H. Reinike, Ray Reinike & Roy Reinike. 

She leaves behind her beloved and dedicated son, James Arthur Cooper, Jr. (Jan); her sister, Delores Reinike Hendon; brother, Vernon Robert Reinike, Sr. (Stephanie); grandchildren, Donna, Brad, Jamie, Rod, Kristie, Amberly; and generations of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

She is our queen and our angel Though we will miss her sweet smile, her holiday feasts, her “Golden Girls” and “Tim Conway” cackle, and her triumphant stories of “almost hitting the jackpot,” we take comfort in knowing she lived 102 years — richly, gracefully, and surrounded by love. We will honor her by continuing to gather, to cook, to laugh, and yes — maybe even to attend a fancy ball or gala in her honor.

Heaven gained its most elegant lady. Welcome home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, February 27, 2026, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 E Beach Blvd, Long Beach, MS 39560. Visitation will be from 10 - 11 am in the church. Interment will be in Long Beach City

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.