Mrs. Dorothy Bell Cooper Evans was born on November 19, 1926, in Atlanta, Georgia. She transitioned peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert T. Evans; her parents, Monroe Cooper Sr. and Evelyn Green Winston Cooper; her brother, Monroe “Big Boy” Cooper; her sisters, Pauline Cooper, Elizabeth Carr, Edna Cooper-Willis, and Geraldine Isom; and her children: Delores, Cheryl, Chester, and Albert.

Dorothy received her education at historical schools in Atlanta, Georgia, including E. P. Johnson Elementary and Booker T. Washington High School, where she walked to school with notables such as Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

She married Jack V. Shanks Sr., and to this union one child was born. After that union dissolved, she later married Robert T. Evans in 1951 and relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where she was blessed with eleven children.

Dorothy’s employment history was extensive, reflecting her dedication and strong work ethic as she worked hard to provide for and raise her children. She was employed at Ford Ideal Laundry and Dry Cleaning for 40 years and worked part-time at Scotch Cleaners and Kings Cleaners. She maintained employment with Woodley Janitorial Services at Fox 4 TV before retiring at the age of 88. Throughout her career, Dorothy served as a steward for the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGW), supervised the Shirt Press Division, and supervised contract work at Fox 4.

Dorothy was a lifelong member of Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ, where she served on the Usher Board, and she was a member of Grace Spiritual Temple, where she served on the Mothers’ Board. Dorothy Bell was a source of support for all children, offering wise counsel, correction, and, most of all, love. With exceptional culinary skills, she lovingly provided meals for her children and other children in the community. She especially enjoyed holiday cookouts, where she proudly “ran the grill.” Dorothy Bell was the Matriarch of the Cooper and Evans family and was honored during the celebration of the First Annual Cooper Family Reunion in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2025.

She was just three months shy of reaching the milestone of 100 years. In His wise providence, God called her name, and she answered. Dorothy leaves to cherish her precious memories her brother: Albert Cooper, Sr. (Johnnie Mae), Decatur, Georgia; eight sons: Jack, Robert, Anthony, Donald, Darryl, Richard, and (twins) Roland and Ronald. Her progeny includes more than 23 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.