With broken hearts and enduring faith, Anthony and Jenn Woodard announce the passing of their beloved son, Cooper James Woodard, who was born sleeping on May 30, 2026, and went peacefully into the arms of Jesus.

Cooper was strong from the very beginning. He was incredibly active and full of personality even before birth. If you poked him, he would punch right back. He was always moving, and whenever we tried to capture his image, he seemed determined to play a game of hide-and-seek. These precious memories will be cherished by our family forever.

Though our time with Cooper was far too brief, the love we have for him is everlasting. We take comfort in knowing that he is alive in Christ and will forever remain in our hearts. While we grieve the life we hoped to share with him, we rejoice in the assurance that he is now in a place free from pain, sorrow, darkness, and the hardships of this world.

Cooper is survived by his loving parents, Charles Anthony and Jennifer (Fricke) Woodard; his brother, Hudson; and his sister, Sadie. He is also survived by his paternal great-grandmother, Jewel Potter; maternal great-grandparents, John and Jennifer Dean; his paternal grandmother, Angela Woodard; his maternal grandparents, Gary and Andrea Fricke; and his aunts and uncles, Amanda Stevens (Nash), John Fricke, Nevada Woodard, Arizona Woodard, and Montana Woodard.

Cooper is preceded in death by his paternal great-grandfathers, Boyd Potter and Ranson Woodard; his paternal great-grandmother, Jean Woodard; maternal great-grandfather, Bob Fricke; maternal great-grandmothers, Patricia Fricke and Peggy Ring Franklin; his paternal grandfather, John Woodard; and his great uncle, Mark Fricke. We know that Cooper is not only surrounded by the love of his God but by a host of family that is rejoicing in the Lord with him.

As written in Jeremiah 1:5:

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you."

Before we ever knew Cooper, God knew him. Before we ever held him, God held him. Cooper is precious beyond measure and deeply loved.

Sweet Cooper, we find peace in knowing that you are with the Lord, where all things are perfect. You will never know pain, sickness, fear, or suffering. You will never have a fever, a sleepless night, or a hurting belly. Instead, you are wrapped in the perfect love of God. We will miss you every day of our lives, and our arms will ache to hold you. We longed to watch you grow up with Hudson and Sadie, who so deeply wanted a little brother. We will carry you in our hearts until the glorious day when we are reunited and finally get to hold you in our arms again.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our son.

A private graveside service will be held. Our family appreciates all your prayers.

Online condolences may be sent to the Woodard family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service in charge of the arrangements.