Pamela B. Cooper, 68, formally of Dunkirk NY, residing in Wilmington North Carolina, passed away peacefully along with family by her side at Duke University Hospital on October 10,2025. Born in Dunkirk, New York, on August 18, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Samuel L. Cooper and Thelma Cooper. A graduate of Dunkirk Senior High School, while completing several college courses at Jamestown Community College.
Pamela dedicated her efforts to the Wilmington Treatment Center, from which she eventually retired. Pamela demonstrated remarkable spiritual devotion, maintaining faithful and dedicated membership at the All-Purpose Church in Wilmington, NC, while concurrently upholding her continued connection as a valued member at Friendship Baptist Church in Dunkirk, NY.
Pamela was a truly remarkable woman, a loving, caring mother who devoted herself wholeheartedly not only to her own daughters but also to several extended family members and children in her community. Her daughters knew they could always count on her for unwavering support, a comforting presence, and endless understanding, as she nurtured them through every joy and challenge, always ready with a warm hug or a wise word.
Her love in fashion, and the act of dressing up, along with listening to music, drinking wine and cooking her famous Macaroni and cheese, and potato salad was a joyful ritual for Pamela.
Pamela was a pillar in the community, a beacon of strength, kindness and unwavering dedication to making her town a better place for all.
She is survived by her daughters Felicia (Jessie) Quinones, and Shan-Ti-ka Jessie, Step sons Clarence Jessie (Kathern)Davenport of Wilmington NC. Matthew Jessie of Buffalo NY. Extended children: Briana Harris, of Batavia NY, Samantha Ortolano Palacios of Rochester NY, Gianna Gates of Dunkirk NY. 6 Grandchildren Jaeceon , Parrison ,Tyler(Ivy Maddie) ,Manaya, Autum, and Brooklyn and 4. God Children.
Sister Sabrina Cooper of Dunkirk NY, a host of nieces and nephews, Special Friends Judy Lockett, Andrea Prisco of Dunkirk NY, and Carrie Willis of Wadesboro NC.
Besides her parents Samuel and Thelma Cooper, she was preceded in death by her brother Charles “Ray" Cooper, sisters Charlotte Buchanan, Jacqueline "Jackie" Cooper, Denise Raymond, Step son Adam Jessie, nephews Terrance "Terry “Buchanan and Daniel Cooper.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home; 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Friendship Baptist Church; 18 E. Second Street, Dunkirk, NY. Interment will be held in Willowbrook Park Cemetery. Repass will be held at 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post 62 immediately following the service.
McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home
McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home
Friendship Baptist Church
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