October 27, 2025, 45, Goldsboro —
Lydia Fairlight Kooy Soper, Mount Olive resident, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, at her home.
Lydia was a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Married to Matthew Paul Soper, she prided herself in providing a warm and loving home for him each day as he returned from his teaching career. They worshipped together at the Bridge Church, Mount Olive, and frequently they would walk hand-in-hand, the streets of Mount Olive for exercise and simple enjoyment.
Lydia leaves behind her beloved husband, Matt; her mother, Teresa “Terrie” Langley Kooy; her sister, Anne Kooy; two brothers, Peter Kooy and David Kooy; and a nephew, Cameron Kooy, all of Kalamazoo; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Rose Soper of Wyoming, Michigan; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wendi Soper, DVM, and Kevin Johnson, of West Olive, Michigan.
Her father, Cameron Kooy, preceded her in death.
A celebration of life service for Lydia will be Saturday, November 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bridge Church of Mount Olive, located at 212 O’Berry Road, Dudley, NC.
As a lasting tribute to Lydia’s life, Matt has suggested that memorial gifts be made to either of the following:
Cry Freedom Ministries, 3501 East Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530; Hearts and Hands for Haiti, 6612 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613; or Gospel for Asia, 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point, Texas 75169.
