Barbara Cooper (86)

Barbara Ward Cooper was a Democratic representative for District 86 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Elected in 1996 at age 67 after a career as an educator, she became the longest-serving and oldest active state legislator in Tennessee history, winning 13 elections before her death at age 93 in October 2022.

A dedicated advocate for her constituents, she served on the Health and Safety Committee and the Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee, focusing on education, health, and community needs.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, and 45 hours postgraduate in Curriculum and Instruction from Tennessee State University; Ph.D. in Religious Philosophy and Christian Psychology from Jacksonville Theological Seminary.
• Early Career: Retired educator from Memphis City Schools; served as Community Relations Specialist for the federal Title I initiative.
• Political Experience: Entered politics in her 60s; represented District 86 from 1996 until her passing, serving 11 terms and seeking re-election in 2022.