Wendi Leigh Cooper
Wendi Leigh Cooper, 56, of Charlotte, an outgoing and integral part of her local community, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in Lansing. Wendi was born September 14, 1969 in Lansing, the daughter of Garie and Suzanne (Maltby) Bemis. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1987 before working briefly at a car dealership before going to Douglas J. and earning her cosmetology license. Throughout the years, she worked at several local hairstyling establishments in Charlotte, starting with the Shear Place. Wendi was always passionate about supporting local businesses, especially the “mom and pop” variety. She loved antique shopping in such places. She also loved time spent in her vegetable garden in her yard. Wendi even experimented with crossbreeding pepper varieties to find the spiciest and most delicious, and passion project she enjoyed sharing the bounty of with her family and friends.
Wendi married the love of her life, Peter Cooper, shortly before his death in 2003. Together, Wendi and Pete enjoyed car shows and attending MSU sports events, especially hockey. She was a patriotic supporter of our armed forces, and an active member of the Charlotte community, serving on the Frontier Days board of directors for years. She also loved her pets, particularly Weimaraners. Wendi almost always had a dog or two in her care, and they were usually rescues.
Wendi is survived by her father and step-mother, Garie and Carol Bemis; brother, Brian Bemis; step-siblings, Jessica (Ben) Kellum and Sean (Krystal) Howard; step-sons, Ben and Charlie Cooper; step-grandchildren, Austin, Wyatt, Cody, Dalten, and Kinley Cooper; and step-nieces and nephews; Emmett and Lincoln Kellum and Claire, Cohen, and Carsyn Howard. She was very recently predeceased by her mother, Suzanne.
Friends were encouraged to support Wendi’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 2 to 4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Wendi’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone).
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society or the Folds of Honor Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.