With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Thomisena Cooper, 80, of Kingstree, SC, widow of the ate Joe Cooper, who passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Life Reflections

"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."          Psalm 23:4

Thomisena Cooper, the fourth oldest child of the late James and Della Mae Dukes, was born April 25, 1945.  However, all of her life, she celebrated May 25, as her birthday. Thomisena walked by faith until God called her home on December 19, 2025 at her home. She got her last wish to return home from the hospital prior to her death. Thank you Doris.

Thomisena was affectionately called "Tom" by her close relatives, but she was quick to let you know her name was Thomisena.

Thomisena attended St. Mark Elementary and High School. She joined St. Mark A.M.E. Church at an early age. Thomisena was an active member of White Rock Baptist Church in New York, where her pastor was Rev. Robert Keith Williams. She rejoined St. Mark A.M.E. Church after returning home. She loved her church families and Pastor Williams and Pastor Burgess were like her best friends.

Thomisena moved to New Rochelle, NY in 1963 and later bought a home and moved to Mt. Vernon, NY. She returned home in 2022 after the death of her oldest son.

Her life was devoted to taking care of others. While in NY, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked as a caregiver for over 40 years at various nursing homes and private duties. Thomisena loved her children, grandchildren and her entire family, and would give her last to help any of them. She didn't allow the weather or anything to stop her from bringing a meal, going to cook a meal or helping in anyway she could. Thomisena was known for cooking oxtails.

Her favorite phrases were "How about that." "Well, how about that you said." "Whatever will be, will be" and "You just waited until God called you home." It is hard for us to endure but "we walk by faith and not by sight."

Thomisena was preceded in death by: her parents, James and Della Mae Dukes; her son, Kenneth Lee Dukes; a brother, Curtis Dukes and spouses.

Thomisena leaves to cherish her loving memories: two sons, Patric Lee Brown of Mt. Vernon, NY and Tieshae TyShun Gravely of Maryland; three daughters-in-law, Doris Dukes of Kingstree, SC, Shamel Gravely of California and Marisa Pettiford Brown of New York; four grandchildren, Trenton, Raymond and Trevor Gravely, all of California and Dupree Patric Brown of Mt. Vernon, NY; one brother, James (JD) Dukes of Kingstree, SC; six sisters, Shirley Jones, Georgia Shaw and Evangelist Alberta (Ben) Washington all of Kingstree, SC, Ruth (Derome) Gibson, Lillie (Roberson) Nesmith and Rev. Jannie (James) Snow all of Andrews, SC; seven first cousins raised as siblings; a sister-in-law, Patricia Dukes of Kingstree, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family is receiving friends and family at 2741 Thurgood Marshall highway, Kingstree, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.