This is not an ordinary obituary, because Cora Jean James was not an ordinary woman. Born on Christmas Day to Frank and Helen (Haynes) Looper in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, Cora was one of eleven siblings with whom she shared a magical, unbreakable bond.

In the dictionary, a Supernova is described as: a massive explosion of a star, with the ability to outshine an entire galaxy, scattering the little stars created during its life and the explosion itself, across the universe. Our Supernova’s journey on earth was marked by love, compassion, fellowship, and an unwavering faith in God. Her light touched everyone she met, and her presence was unforgettable.

Cora was kind and loving, but she was also spirited, quick-witted, and full of mischief.  She loved to laugh, to tell stories, and sometimes to embellish them just enough to make you smile. She lived authentically, never hiding her true self, and those who knew her cherished her honesty and humor. Her home was always filled with friends, loved ones, her children, her grands, their friends, their friends’ friends, or anyone coming by for a good long chat and a comfortable porch- sit, overlooking McMillen Park. 

Cora shared 42 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Albert, affectionately called Bootie, whom she revered and kept on his toes.  She worked and also developed many friendships at Fort Wayne State Developmental Center, known as State School, retiring after 38 years.

A devout Christian, Cora dedicated her life to the Lord at an early age and has been a member of Imani Baptist Temple for the last 21 years, her life in service to God. While she is survived by her children: Marva (Jeffrey), Karen (Rory), Greg, Randy, and Madeline along with her brother Terry (Marcia) and Vivian (Arlie) her feisty spirit and love for life will continue on through her legacy: her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

We ask that you remember Cora not only for her vibrant personality, her generosity, her love of shoes and the color blue, or her joy in a trip to the casino, but also for the beauty of her final days. Surrounded by laughter, song, and celebration, she looked around the room, saw pieces of her light reflected in each of us, and chose her moment to rest. She left this world on her own terms, with grace and peace. She now joins her grandson Jaylin, her siblings Doris, Frank, Buddy, Linnie Virginia, Marion, Harold, Joe, and Millie, along with her devoted husband Bootie and all our ancestors. Your presence here today is proof of the profound impact she had on your life. Even the brightest supernova eventually fades, but its light lives on in the stars it leaves behind.

 We understand you were tired, Moma Cora.

 Rest well.