Delaware woman, 85, serves as flower girl at best friend’s wedding

PHILADELPHIA — An 85-year-old woman took on an unconventional duty at her best friend’s wedding as she performed the role of flower girl.

CBS Philly reported that the two women from Delaware, Dee Cooper and Theresa Whitehead, share a special bond.

“Well, let’s put it this way, I’m so much more comfortable around young people than old people,” Cooper said.

Fate formed their unexpected friendship many years ago as Cooper was 48 and Whitehead was 14.

“We met when we were visiting my brother’s band and her nephew was playing as well,” Whitehead explained. “And I met Dee and I was like, ‘oh my gosh.’ I fell in love with her the second I met her.”

Sharing life’s little moments ever since, like yard sales and sleepovers, one of the biggest moments of Whitehead’s life was quickly approaching – her wedding.

There was no doubt her best friend would play a huge role.

“I met this amazing person that I want to spend the rest of my life with and my next thought was, ‘Dee has to be our flower girl,’” Whitehead said.

“My biggest fear was I wouldn’t make it to the wedding,” Cooper said. She was 84 at the time of wedding, but turned 85 on Nov. 28.

In early November, Whitehead tied the knot in an 80s-themed wedding.

“She’s going to be a hard act to follow, but I’m going to try my best,” Whitehead said.

Cooper said, “It is unconventional. It certainly is and everybody wonders about that because I’m older and she’s younger, but you know what, I kind of like it.”