Betty Cooper Hearnes

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Former First Lady of Missouri Betty Cooper Hearnes died in Charleston on Dec. 14, 2023, surrounded by her family. She served as First Lady of the state of Missouri from 1965 to 1973 while her husband, Warren E. Hearnes, served as the 46th Governor of Missouri.

She was born on July 24, 1927, in Brinkley, Arkansas, to Rev. A.B. Cooper and May Lawrence Cooper.

Mrs. Hearnes was a very active First Lady. She proved to be a strong advocate for numerous causes including Historical Preservation, Mental Health, Education and especially the Arts. In 1966, the Missouri Council of the Arts had been hampered by lack of funds. Mrs. Hearnes proudly championed this cause, working diligently to pass legislation highlighting the practical benefits of a statewide Arts Program. The Bill became known as “Betty’s Bill,” passed thanks to her hard work advancing this cause. At that time, Missouri became only the second state in the nation to provide public funds to support a state Arts Council. Several weeks later, Mrs. Hearnes’ work was further recognized by her being asked to appear before the National Council of the Arts illustrating “Betty’s Bill” as a model for advancing the Arts throughout the nation. Her efforts were given formal recognition in December 1968 when the St. Louis Globe-Democrat announced the selection of Mrs. Hearnes as one of the newspaper’s 10 top Women of Achievement for 1968. She was cited for her work in public affairs.

After leaving the Governor’s Mansion, Mrs. Hearnes began her own political career, serving the people of the 160th District as their State Representative for 10 years. In 1988, she was the first woman to run for Governor of the state of Missouri. She continued to serve her state, community and church for the rest of her life.

She is survived by her daughters, Leigh Hammond, and Julie Hearnes Sindelar (Dan); her four grandchildren, Clayton Hammond, Catherine Hammond, Britten Sindelar, and Andrew Sindelar; her sisters, Jane Cooper Stacy, and Dr. Rose Marie Cooper Jordan; also, several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gov. Warren E. Hearnes; her daughter, Lynn Cooper Hearnes; her son-in-law, Cary W. Hammond; and her brothers and sisters, 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.

Entombment will follow under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

A public musical celebration honoring the life of Betty Cooper Hearnes will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Charleston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.

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The family kindly requests memorials be made to:

Autism Speaks; P.O. Box 37148; Boone, IA 50037-0148 or online at the website: autismspeaks.org or to Friends of the Missouri Governors Mansion, 716 East High St., Jefferson City, MO, 65101.