NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Rep. Barbara Cooper, who served in the General Assembly for more than 25 years, has died. She was 93.
House Minority Leader Karen Camper on Wednesday confirmed the death of the Memphis Democrat.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my longtime colleague and dear friend, Barbara Cooper” Camper, also from Memphis, said in a statement. “She was a warrior for her community and the city of Memphis, a tireless advocate on education and equality issues and just a delightful person.”
Cooper was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996. She was honored earlier this year as the oldest serving lawmaker in Tennessee recorded history and among the oldest lawmakers across the United States.
In a new release, House Democratic leaders described Cooper as an “unwavering voice for the community of Memphis and advancing the rights of Black Tennesseans.” During her legislative tenure, she formed the Harriet Tubman Legacy Awards to honor Memphians who were committed to uplifting the community.