Rick Duckett

Betty Cooper Hearnes

Jul 23, 1927 - Dec 13, 2023

Charleston, SC

In Loving Memory of Betty Cooper Hearnes July 24, 1927 - December 14, 2023 Betty Cooper Hearnes, former First Lady of Missouri, passed away peacefully in Charleston, Missouri, on December 14, 2023, surrounded by her family. Born on July 24, 1927, in Brinkley, Arkansas, to Reverend A. B. Cooper and May Lawrence Cooper, Betty dedicated her life to public service and advocacy. Betty served as the First Lady of Missouri from 1965 to 1973 while her husband, Warren E. Hearnes, held the office of the 46th Governor of Missouri. A passionate advocate, she left an enduring legacy through her tireless work in Historical Preservation, Mental Health, Education, and the Arts. In 1966, Betty championed the Missouri Council of the Arts, overcoming funding challenges. Her advocacy led to the passage of ""Betty's Bill,"" making Missouri the second state in the nation to allocate public funds to support a state Arts Council. Her efforts gained national recognition, and she was invited to address the National Council of the Arts. After leaving the Governor's Mansion, Betty embarked on her political career, serving the people of the 160th District as their State Representative for a decade. In 1988, she made history as the first woman to run for Governor of Missouri. Her commitment to public service extended throughout her life, benefiting her state, community, and church. Betty is survived by her daughters, Leigh Hammond and Julie Hearnes Sindelar (Dan); grandchildren Clayton Hammond, Catherine Hammond, Britten Sindelar, and Andrew Sindelar; sisters Jane Cooper Stacy and Dr. Rose Marie Cooper Jordan; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Governor Warren E. Hearnes, daughter Lynn Cooper Hearnes, son-in-law Cary W. Hammond, and siblings Allen Autry Cooper, Dr. James Franklin Cooper, Velna Cooper Brown, Dr. Jennie Cooper Frye, and Julia Cooper Warren. A private family committal service will be held at the Hearnes Family Mausoleum at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston. A public musical celebration honoring Betty's life will take place at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 19, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Charleston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Autism Speaks or Friends of the Missouri Governors Mansion. Online condolences can be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com. Betty Cooper Hearnes will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her community, her pioneering spirit, and her profound impact on the cultural and political landscape of Missouri. May her soul rest in peace.