Trula June Mullins Cooper Morrison A true Steel Magnolia. Strong and soft, Stubborn and sweet. She cared for those in need. Was firm in her convictions, And loved with a fierce abundance and grace. Like a magnolia blossom, She was, and is, eternally beautiful. If you take the time to listen with your heart, You might just be graced with a smidgen of her wisdom, And granted a hint of that brilliant smile, And perhaps a knowing, gentle laugh. Irving resident Trula June Morrison, 88, passed away February 23, 2012 in a Dallas hospital. She was born on November 6, 1923 in Clintwood, Virginia to Vernon and Grace Fleming Mullins. The widow of Donald M. Cooper of Glouster, Ohio and Harold C. Morrison of Lafayette, Tennessee, she was also preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Shirley Mullins of Kingsport, Ervin Mullins of Clintwood, and Johnny Mullins of Clintwood, and a sister, Laura Sue Dean of Kingsport. She is survived in death by daughters, Donna Frano of Irving, Texas and Kitty Cooper of Astatula, Florida; son Hal Morrison and wife Jana of Celina, Texas; grandchildren Chris Green and wife Kelly, Roberto Frano and wife Jennifer, Preston Furtick and wife Morgan, Kathrin Basham and husband Keylan, and Parker Furtick; four great-grandchildren Dylan Green, Nicholas Frano, Nathan and Dylan Furtick; brother Elwood Mullins of Clintwood and sister Kathleen Morgan of Kingport. Trula was a coal-miner's daughter who lived through the Great Depression with fond memories of soup beans and corn bread. She was so skilled at basketball that she received a scholarship, but could not accept it because her hand-me-down dungarees would not suffice for a college wardrobe. But she played professionally for the FBI basketball team during the war before she married and decided to focus her energy and drive on being a homemaker and the very best mother any child could ask for. She was also the best aunt, cousin, grandmother, second cousin, friend, and great-grandmother anyone could want, beloved by the children and animals who flocked to her for unconditional love and gentle guidance -- and the neighbors, doctors, friends and relatives who crowded up for some of her delicious candy and amazing chocolate sheet cake. Trula loved listening to her country music, golfing for as long as her body would let her, sewing for as long as her fingers could manage, watching Nascar and NCIS and old movies, and caring for the innumerable dogs she loved throughout her lifetime. She was stubborn and unbelievably strong, surviving two husbands, a multitude of surgeries, and the loss of far too many who were dear to her over the years. In spite of pain and advancing illness, she smiled and laughed to the very end. She will always and forever be our Trula June, our Steel Magnolia. A memorial celebrating her life is set for Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 4 pm in Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home, 606 West Airport Freeway, Irving, Texas 75062 (972-579-1313). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or online at www.lbda.org/go/donate. Another memorial celebrating her life will be held in Clintwood, Virginia in late April for family and friends. Details will be announced as they become available.