Dorothy Welsh

Dorothy Ashley Cooper Welsh was born in Rosebud, TX February 6, 1929 to Colter Thomas Ashley and Mamie Estelle Ashley of Rosebud, TX. Dorothy moved to Houston in her late teenage years and remained in the Houston area the rest of her life. Dorothy and W.E. Cooper, Jr. (known as “Jr.”) met in Houston and were married in April of 1947. February 15, 1948, their first child, Dorothy Marie Cooper was born. She married Jackie Dean Hibbard of Houston, TX in 1969. Their second child, Judy Ann Cooper was born February 9, 1949. Judy married Leroy Romo of Albuquerque, NM in October, 1983. Their only son, Kenneth Cooper was born May 11, 1954. Kenny married Kat Clark of Leesville, SC in August, 2007.

Dorothy was a member of the Community of Christ Church. She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, and Wife. She enjoyed country music and was an excellent dancer. Dorothy was also an highly talented cook and seamstress. She operated a successful Day Care in her home in the 1980’s. All who knew her found her to be generous, gentle, tireless, and a devoted friend. She was a natural care taker, taking care of her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her parents and many others. Nothing brought her more joy than her two grandsons, Jackie Dean Hibbard, Jr (Sparky) born in 1972 and Billy Earl Cooper born in 1980. She took care of both grandsons from the time they were born, until they were old enough to stay at home alone. This was very helpful to their working parents.

Dorothy is survived by her children, her grandsons, and her great grandchildren: Aubrey and Presley Hibbard, Hannah, Leah, and Dinn Johnson, Cody McDonald, and Kaycee Cooper. Dorothy is also survived by her two brothers Colter and Oscar Ashley.

She was preceded in death by her husbands W. E. Cooper, Jr and Todd Welsh; her parents (C.T. and Mamie Ashley), her sisters Doris Young Taylor and Velma Archer.

Dorothy developed many strong and lasting relationships with the Cooper family, especially the Cooper Boys and their wives: Harvel and Bobbie Cooper, Eldridge, Frances and Margie Cooper, Gerald and Carolyn Cooper, and Wayne and Viola White. She cherished each of her nieces and nephews as well. She also loved her long time best friend Imogene Crossland.

In her later years, Dorothy moved into the Oakmont Nursing Home where she spent the last 10 years of her life. She spoke often of how much she loved the staff there and how well they cared for her.

Dorothy passed from this earthly life on February 12, 2013 at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Humble, TX.

Dorothy was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.