Melva N. Cooper, 87, of West Monroe, Louisiana, formerly of Big Spring, died on Saturday, April 23, 2011, in a West Monroe nursing home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Dr. Randy Cotton, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, officiating.Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at the funeral home.She was born on January 25, 1924, in Tallassee, Alabama and married Raymond L. Cooper on July 20, 1946 in Center Point, Texas. He preceded her in death on June 27, 1998 after 52 years of marriage.Melva graduated from business college in Kerrville, Texas and moved to Big Spring in 1950. She worked for the City of Big Spring for over 33 years, retiring as manager of the water department. Melva was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loved cooking and baking for family and friends and greatly valued the time spent with loved ones.She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, and her church family was a very important part of her life. She was an active member until moving to Louisiana in 2006.Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Wayne Dow of West Monroe, Louisiana; a granddaughter, Renee Middlebrooks and husband, Eric; two grandsons, Jeremy Dow and Timothy Dow; and a great-grandson, Nathan Dow.She was also preceded in death by her parents, Loman and Ida Pearl Ballard; and three brothers, Loman Ballard, Lloyd Ballard and Charles Ballard.The family suggests memorials be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 1701 E. FM 700, Big Spring, Texas 79720 or the Alzheimer's Association, Greater West Texas Chapter, 4400 N. Big Spring St., Suite C – 32, Midland, Texas 79705.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,