Wilma Lee Cooper Dies at 90, Longtime Grand Ole Opry star Wilma Lee Cooper, who gained national prominence as one-half of the country-bluegrass duo Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper, died Tuesday (Sept. 13) from natural causes at her home in Sweetwater, Tenn. She was 90.
The West Virginia native began her legendary career as a child, taking part in the family band. The Leary Family performed concerts all across their home state. Wilma Lee married her late husband, fiddler and singer Dale T. "Stoney" Cooper in 1939 and formed their duo, backed by the Clinch Mountain Clan. The two were best known for their story songs such as 'The Legend of the Dogwood Tree,' Little Rosewood Casket, 'Sunny Side of the Mountain' and 'Philadelphia Lawyer.'
Wilma Lee continued performing with the Clinch Mountain Clan after her husband passed away in 1977. A member of the Opry since 1957, she remained a regular there until a stroke during a performance at the Ryman Auditorium in 2001 forced her to retire. She returned in 2010 to join the Opry cast during the grand re-opening of the Opry House following the May flood that year. Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper's daughter, Carol Lee, is lead singer of the Opry's backing vocal group, the Carol Lee Singers.
Per Wilma Lee's request, there will not be a memorial service. Fans are asked to remember her for her music and her faith.
Source: theboot
