Walton BOC to Take Up Naming Bridge for World's Oldest Resident

Walton County Board of Commission Chairman Kevin Little said the county would discuss naming the the world's oldest living person, at the next BOC meeting.

"I think it is a great idea to name the bridge after Mrs Cooper," Little said. "I will have it put on the agenda for discussion at the July meeting. I think the bridge is scheduled to be opened in August and I believe her birthday is in August. Maybe we could even bring her out for the dedication."

The bridge is currently under construction in Between, the Walton County community where She never left, purchasing first one home on New Hope Church Road and then a second one on Troy Smith Road. Her grandson now lives in that home. Cooper will be 116 on August 26 and is currently on record as the oldest living person in the world. Her family has wanted to have her acknowleded for this distinction and many believe this is the perfect way to do it.

"It will be a great honor for the community of Between," Little said. "I know she has a history in that community."

Cooper currently lives in a nursing home in Monroe. Her son said he would likely go to the July BOC meeting. However, he said he doesn't believe his mother's condition is such that she herself would be able to attend a dedication. He was delighted, though, that the county would consider naming the bridge after his mother.

At first state Rep. Tom Kirby had considered the possibility of naming the bridge for Cooper, but believed it would have to wait until the state legislature reconvened in January 2013. However, state Rep. Bruce Williamson looking into it and found out that since it was a county road, it didn't require action at the state level. He contacted Little, who agreed to take the matter from there.

The July 10 BOC meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Government Buildings, Hammond Street, Monroe.