Peggy May Cooper, of Springfield, Missouri, was born on October 15, 1938, in Macks Creek, Missouri, to Eldon and Fern (Moulder) Clemmons. She passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026.

Peggy grew up in Macks Creek and graduated from Macks Creek High School. She pursued higher education at SWBC in Bolivar, SMS, and Drury University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. Peggy devoted 31 years to teaching elementary students, retiring from Springfield Public Schools after a long and meaningful career marked by dedication, patience, and a genuine love for learning and children. She was also a faithful member of the Macks Creek Order of the Eastern Star (OES).

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Eldon and Fern Clemmons; her beloved husband of 43 years, Bobby F. Cooper; and her brother, Billy Clemmons.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Cooper, and her husband, Travis Paden; her brother, Carl Clemmons, and his wife, Beverly; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish her memory.

A graveside service will be held on June 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cat Fanciers’ Association, P.O. Box 1949, Nixa, MO 65714-1949, (417) 725-1530.

Peggy’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched as a teacher, family member, and friend, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.