Turner’s Tidbits

This week’s photo is the family of Dale “Stoney” Cooper. He was married to Wilma Lee Leary and they had one daughter Carol Lee. Stoney and Wilma Lee were major players in the Bluegrass industry and Wilma Lee was given the title of Mother of Bluegrass Music in 1974. Carol Lee was in charge of the back-up singers for the Grand Old Opry; she has since retired. We were fortunate to met her twice while at the Opry and she took us onto the stage. We stood behind the wooden fence and when she was not singing, she would come over and talk to us. It was so good to get to see her. The occasion for this family gathering was Stoney’s mothers 90th birthday. Pictured from left to right are: Dale “Stoney” Cooper (twin), Hisel Cooper McQuilken, Stella Raines Cooper, Madeline Cooper Clark , Dean Cooper (twin). Other siblings who had passed away by the time of the birthday were: Roosevelt Cooper, George Cooper, Herman Cooper, two sisters who died in infancy were Mona and Stella Cooper. Ideas or comments contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.