Dorothy L. Cooper

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4

My life was beautiful for as long as it lasted, but the journey of my life has come to an end. The bible tells us that to be absent from the body is to be in the presence of the Lord. Considering the sorrow in our hearts, it is with humble submission and reverence that we must accept the will of God.

Dorothy Cooper departed this life on March 3, 2026, at Heritage Inn Sandersville Health and Rehabilitation, Sandersville, GA.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Swint Spring Baptist Church, Tennille, GA . Rev. Emory Arnold Sr. officiated. 
 

A Time to Be Born

Dorthy Lee Smith begins her earthly journey on August 29, 1930, in Tennille, Georgia. She was the beloved daughter of the late Bessie and Fred Smith. Dorothy was truly the joy of herparents’ hearts and brought happiness to all who knew her.

A Time to Learn

Dorothy received her early education in Washington County andgraduated from Thomas Jefferson Elder High School inSandersville, Georgia, in 1948.

A Time to Work -Life Preparation

After graduating from high school, Dorothy moved toPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, to begin the next chapter of her life. While there, she attended trade school to further develop her skills while working in a Pharmacy. Seeking greater opportunities, she later relocated to Brooklyn, New York.Eventually, she moved to Dover, Delaware, to be closer to family. Dorothy worked in a Deport Factory until her son became ill, which prompted her to return to Tennile, Georgia,where she lovingly cared for him.

A Time to Love

Dorothy met the love of her life, Grant E. Cooper. Their connection was undeniable, and they became devoted husband and wife.  Together they shared a beautiful life filled with love, companionship, and commitment. Dorothy cherished being known as Mrs. Cooper and took pride in the life they built together.

A Time to Serve

Dorothy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was first a faithful member of Green Grove BaptistChurch in Sandersville, Georgia. Later, she and her husbandmoved to Atlanta, where she joined St. Peter Baptist Church.While there, she faithfully served on the Usher Board and was an active member of the Missionary Ministry. When Dorothy and Grant returned to Tennille, Georgia, she became a devoted member of Swint Spring Baptist Church. She once again served on the Usher Board and remained a faithful servant until her health declined.

A Time to Remember

Dorothy was preceded in death by her loving parents, her son,Melvin Bernard Carter Jr., her in-laws, Deacon Mance “M. C.”and Tressie Cooper; sisters-in-law, Annie Cora Washington, and Jean Ollie Cooper; brother-in-law, Mance Cooper III.

A Time to Mourn

Dorothy leaves to cherish her loving memories: her devoted husband, Grant E. Cooper, Tennille, GA; her sister, Essie Duggan, Brooklyn, NY; her bonus children, Grant E. Cooper Jr., Tennille, GA, Tijuana L. Washington, and Seketa(Willie) Simmons, both of Jacksonville, FL; along with a host of beloved grandchildren.

She also leaves to mourn her sisters-in-law, Bernice Cooper, Sandersville, GA, Jacquelyn (Mance)Cooper, Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law, Alexander Cooper, Tennille, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Wheeler’s Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements.

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