Karna Yvonne Cooper was born on July 27, 1952, in Richmond, Virginia to Ruth & Horace Woods. Karna transitioned at home peacefully with her family on Sunday, February 8, 2026.  She was raised with strong values and attended Catholic school throughout her primary, middle, and high school years.

As a young woman, Karna proudly served her country in the United States Army as a switchboard operator and was honorably discharged for her dedicated service. After completing her military service, she built a long and faithful career in federal service. During the 1990s and early 2000s, she worked at the Pentagon. She later served as a Program Analyst with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where she worked diligently until her retirement in 2016.

While serving in the Army, Karna met and married Robert Michael Cooper, Sr. Raised her family in the DMV area. Above all else, she was a mother. She loved her children with a depth that cannot be measured. Her love was fierce, protective, and unwavering. She has done the world for her children. No matter the circumstance, no matter the obstacle, she showed up. Providing, sacrificing, and making sure they were cared for was never optional for her; it was who she was.

Life brought challenges, but Karna handled her business with quiet strength and resilience. She knew how to move with wisdom, endure, and continue forward with grace while keeping her family at the center of everything she did. Later in life, she attended Prince George's Community College, pursuing General Studies for several semesters continuing to pour into herself while always pouring into others.

The greatest joy of Karna's life was her family. Motherhood was her proudest title, and her children were her heart walking outside of her body. Her love was steady, sacrificial, and unconditional. It carried her family through every season of life. With that same enduring devotion, she leaves behind her beloved children: Toi, Thea, Mike (preceded in death), Marcus, Mikki, and Derek; her cherished grandchildren, Dion, Che'Quelle, Michael, Andru, Tyliea, Destiny, Kaleel, Marquez, Essence, Wynter, and Jayce; her precious great-granddaughter, Ayan; extended family; and all who were touched by her strength and love.

As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her heart only grew stronger. She poured wisdom and affection into her family. Life tested her in many ways, yet she never stopped fighting. When faced with challenges, she met them with determination. When knocked down, she found a way to rise again.

Karna was preceded in death by her beloved son, Michael Robert Cooper; her parents, Ruth and Horace Woods; and her sister, Edith Hoggany. Though she may be away from our sight, the love she planted in her family will continue to bloom for generations to come. Karna Yvonne Cooper's legacy is one of devotion, endurance, protection, and a love so deep that it will continue to carry her family for generations.