Leon Stephen “Steve” Cooper, of Tuscaloosa, passed away Dec. 24, 2013.

He was born in Atmore and was a graduate of Escambia Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mobile and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Mississippi. He taught at the University of Alabama, Brewer State Junior College, Westwood Elementary School and through the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa. In his later years, he was a graphic artist and freelance artist. He was awarded a “Gold Addy” in 1990 and 1991 by the Greater Tuscaloosa Ad Club, and was a member of Canterbury Chapel Episcopal Church.

Known for his irrelevant sense of humor, wry manner of observing the world and appreciation of beauty, Steve embraced the role of the artist “to ask questions, not to answer them,” and in so doing, to “show us the world.”

Those who preceded him in death included his mother, Ruby Ciel Cooper; his father, Ralph cooper and aunts, Hazel Davis, Mable Davis, Grace Lowery and Euleon Gates.

Survivors are one aunt, Rachel Davis of Atmore, and numerous cousins.

Graveside services were held Jan. 3, 2014, at Oak Hill Cemetery, with the Rev. Robert Heard officiating.