Mark Cooper

Mark Alan Cooper, 61, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, in Fort Smith after a sudden and hard-fought illness surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on October 29, 1964, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Mark was known for his creativity, warmth, humor, and larger-than-life personality. He had a natural ability to make people feel welcomed, celebrated, and cared for. Whether through conversation, laughter, or simply his presence, Mark had a way of lighting up any room he walked into.

Mark attended Westark College in Fort Smith and later graduated from Bryan Institute in Tulsa with a certificate in Computer Programming. His path eventually led him into the beauty industry, where he became an accomplished hairstylist who spent years helping others feel confident and beautiful. Beyond his work behind the chair, he had an incredible talent for florals and design, especially when it came to weddings, events, and his favorite season, Christmas. He loved decorating and bringing beauty, fun, and flair to every gathering, big or small. Through his creativity, talent, and generous spirit, he truly made the world more beautiful. Mark loved music, concerts, and live performances, and he especially enjoyed experiences that brought people together and created lasting memories.

Mark was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving others through hospitality, celebration, and connection. He loved his family deeply, especially his mother, Patricia, whom he adored proudly and wholeheartedly. He also shared a close bond with his sister, Robin, and dearly loved his daughter, Alexandria. Mark was also blessed with many close friends throughout his life who became like family to him, and he cherished those friendships deeply.

More than anything, Mark loved being “Popz” to his grandchildren, and they absolutely adored him in return. Being with Cooper and Clara brought him tremendous pride and happiness, and the memories made with them will be cherished forever.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, James Cooper of Charleston; his paternal grandparents, Robert Arthur and Bessie Mae Cooper of Tulsa; his maternal grandparents, Billie and Ray Price of Branch; his uncles, Dennis Ray Price of Branch and Ronnie Price of Paris; and other beloved family members who welcomed him home.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, with graveside services to follow at Garden of Memories in Charleston. Services will be officiated by Brother Bill VanMeter of Caulksville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with a eulogy shared by Talmage McLaurin, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston. 

He is survived by his daughter, Alexandria Cawthon and husband Nicholas of Cave Springs, Arkansas; his beloved grandchildren, Cooper and Clara Cawthon; his mother, Patricia Cooper of Charleston; his sister, Robin Cooper of Charleston; his uncle, David Price and wife Judy of Branch; his aunts, Gina Price of Paris and Susie Price of Branch; and many cousins, extended family members, friends, clients, church family, and loved ones whose lives were touched by his kindness, creativity, and joyful spirit.

He will be remembered for his smile, his creativity, his fun-loving spirit, and the way he made life brighter for those around him.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Cawthon, Cody Price, Marty Price, Kris Price, Shawn Price, Joe Cloven, Jimmy Moore, Greg Wilson, and Kendall Price.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Price, Justin Price, Jesse McLaurin, Talmage McLaurin, Steve McLaurin, Ryan Rachuy, Kirk Martin, Sean Miller, Joe Arlen, Devin Spencer Mergens, Bentley Donevin Mergens, Royce Camdon Mergens, McLaren Spencer Mergens, his coworkers and colleagues throughout the years, the missionaries he loved and supported, his church family, and the many dear friends and loved ones who walked alongside him throughout his life.

Visitation will be held at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, Arkansas on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com