Dorothy Mae Cooper

The life of Dorothy Mae Cooper began on April 22, 1931, to Irene Juanita Thomas and Harrison Smith in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There were two children born to this union, Dorothy and Lois Collins.

Dorothy graduated from the same high school where her mother was a student in the first graduating class. McKinley High School became a family legacy.

Dorothy was a faithful member of St. Mark United Methodist Church where she served as secretary for many years. Dorothy was a vibrant member of the community; her time was spent cultivating and nurturing many family members.

She met Odell Cooper, and the two later wed after a brief courtship. They began their life together in Baton Rouge. Due to Odell’s job transfer, the couple and their children, Lois and Cecelia Faye, moved to Dallas, Texas, where they settled in the Hamilton Park community.

Upon arriving in Dallas, Dorothy joined Hamilton Park United Methodist Church where she served under the leadership of Dr. Zan W. Holmes. For more than 50 years, Dorothy was a faithful member and served in many capacities, including Communion Board for 40+ years. She also served as a Sunday school teacher and was involved with the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

A true servant of God, Dorothy always gave to others and readily made herself available to help wherever and however she could. An exemplary mother, she was caring, so sweet, and nurturing. Her loving and caring nature was remarkably demonstrated as she stayed with her daughter, Cecelia Faye, every day for a year at Medical City Hospital in her final days.

Dorothy enjoyed being a member of the Mature Adults Ministry and participating in many of the fun recreational, social, and service activities until her health would no longer allow her to do so. During the pandemic, she was always enthusiastic about the next Zoom, or "Zoom Zoom" as she called it! When someone called and said her picture was on Facebook, or "The Book" as she called it, she wanted to see it and read the comments.

Dorothy was an honorary member of Status and Role of Women (SROW), a group of women who support women inside and outside the church, as well as engage in outings, outreach, and care calls, was very near to her heart.  The ladies of SROW learn the word, share the word, and live the word as true sisters bonded in love through Jesus Christ. She shared a special bond with Doris Vance who became her sister and Doris' husband, Mr. Vance, who became her brother. They also had that "Louisiana connection". From this SROW sisterhood, one of the former pastors deemed Dorothy and a few other ladies The Golden Girls.

Dorothy’s servitude spans all ages, both young and old. Her creativity and efforts in crocheting blankets for every child and grandchild in the family were synonymous. She enjoyed cooking and having huge family gatherings with a variety of culinary delights. She was famous for her peach cobbler for which she won the baking contest at church picnics so many times. She informed the church that she was not entering anymore so someone else could win.

Dorothy always had a beautiful smile, and she never met a stranger. She delivered a mothering spirit to all in need who crossed her path. In return for the unconditional love she gave, her bonus grandchildren and nieces lovingly provided care to ensure comfort and dignity in her last days.

Affectionately regarded as "Mrs. Cooper", "Cootie", "Aunt Dot", "Momma", "Momma D", and "Granny", she will be missed, loved, and cherished by all who were blessed to cross her path.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Irene Juanita Thomas and Harrison Smith, and daughter, Cecelia Faye. Those left to cherish her precious memories include her husband of more than 60 years, Odell Cooper; children - Betty Ann Cooper, Eric Hawkins; Lois Johnson, and Rose Brumfield; grandchildren - Shanda Brumfield, Sherry Brumfield, Tarsha Brumfield, Sherika Denmark, Breai Johnson, Nigel Johnson, and Xavier Johnson; great-grandchildren - Dandre, Essence, Taja, Tylan, Joi, Stormie, and Raleah; sister, Lois Collins; nephew, Eugene Collins; nieces, Chandria Nervis and Sabrina Russ; sisters-in-law, Bertha Harris and Annie Mae Robinson; best friend and neighbor of more than 50 years, Annie Ruth Robertson; goddaughter, Kimberly Robertson McKinney; godson, Joe Ross; special cousin, Josephine Smith McCalister "Georgia Mae"; longtime childhood friend, Annette Hogan; and many other special friendships (you know who you are)! We will always remember how she ended every phone call… “Don’t Forget to Give Me A Little Friendly Call!”

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