EFFIE MAE LEAKE-COOPER, affectionately known as "Snuffie" was born on December 15, 1933 in Wadesboro, North Carolina. She was the second of three children of the late Augustus Leake and Sam Leake. Her brothers Purcell and Taffy preceded her in death. Effie peacefully departed this life on Thursday, January 12, 2017 after a lengthy illness.

Effie began her education in Wadesboro, North Carolina. She completed her education in Waynesboro with a high school diploma.

Effie relocated to Baltimore, Maryland and married Bernard William Cooper in 1953. From this union ten children were born, Larry, Beverly, Vanessa, Vonzella, Gary, Bernard Jr., Carolyn, Barbara-Ann, Kathy and Keith. Larry, Beverly, Gary, Bernard Jr., Carolyn and Kathy preceded her in death.

Effie enjoyed going to Bingo with her children and friends. She occasionally went to church and she loved gospel music and cooking. Her warm personality and pleasant smile were endearing to all who met her.

Family was extremely important to Effie. She loved all of her children each one unconditionally. At family gatherings, she showed her love by preparing her famous fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. Effie was a source o strength and will sincerely be missed by all who knew her.

Effie leaves to cherish her memory; the father of her children, Bernard William Cooper Sr.; daughters, Vanessa Watkins, Vonzella Cooper, Barbara-Ann Cooper; son Keith Cooper; sister-in-law, Loretta M. Bond; twelve grandchildren, Pamela Kendall, Antwan Syndor, Tasha Watkins, Bernard Watkins Jr., Jeanean Watkins, Micheal Dorsey, Brian Cooper, Cherise Cooper, Chanelle Cooper, Stanley Johnson, Dehavin Jerry-Cooper and Derrick Cooper; five great-grandchildren, James Lyons, Michael Dorsey Jr., Niya Watkins, Tarshia Watkins and Tyshawn Watkins, cousin Eva Wates and a host of other relatives and many friends.

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