[1] In 1968, Cooper earned a BS degree in Child Development from the University of Tennessee.
In 1970, Cooper earned an MA degree in Education/Disadvantage Learners from University of South Florida.
[1] Cooper earned her BSN and MSN degrees in nursing from Medical College of Georgia.
[1] In 1996, Cooper's political career began when she won the election for Georgia House of Representatives district 41.
In 2004, Cooper became the Majority Caucus Chairperson and one of the highest ranking women politician in the Georgia House of Representatives.