Evelyn Cooper

On July 8, 1953, the Lord sent Rufus and Lodessa Kyle a special surprise; He sent them Evelyn Roxie Kyle. She was born the last of eight children in a small community called Mount Union, right outside of Kirbyville, Texas.

Evelyn was a smart, funny and popular young girl who loved to laugh and play with her cousins and friends. She spoke often of the fun she had playing with ‘Moon’, ‘Sister’, and Sherman. They walked the fields and played games, enjoying the good ‘ol country life. Another important part of that life was CHURCH. As a preacher’s kid, Evelyn spent most of her free time at church, but unlike most children, she loved it. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the tender age of eight. It is told that God moved upon her at this young age though the manifestation of the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues. It was evident that God had His hand on her life.

Evelyn was educated in Kirbyville, Texas and graduated from Kirbyville High School in 1972. She would further her education at Prairie View A&M University.

Evelyn and her mother Lodessa were very close and the best of friends. At her mother’s plea, Evelyn took a pause from Prairie View to return home and assist her mother with ministry and homemaking. In 1974, she decided not to return to Prairie View, but to begin her professional career with the Texas Department of Human Resources (‘the State’). Evelyn grew in grace and favor working for the State. Her warmth and sincerity shined through her smile and was like a magnet to those around her. She made lifelong friends at Prairie View (Eleanor Chandler) and at the State (Deabra Smith). Evelyn worked for the State for 5 years, but her lifelong dream was to be a wife and mother.

God granted the desires of her heart through her union with the renowned Evangelist C.L. Cooper. God moved the pieces of the puzzle to orchestrate their chance meeting at a revival. Their spirits connected and thus birthed the beginning of something amazing. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on February 3, 1979. To their union was born five daughters - Delea, Adelia, Carlette, LoDesee, and Elyse.

With the birth of their first child and at the request of her husband, Evelyn did not return to work. She instead dedicated her life to her family. She was an anointed wife and mother. Her warmth, wisdom and friendship guided her daughters to womanhood and, ultimately, to being women of God. She would often quote one of her favorite scriptures to the girls, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” She admonished them to devote their lives to Christ. She established a home of peace and happiness. Evelyn believed it was her God-given assignment and she loved her family with all of her might.

Evelyn was anointed in many other areas. She could cook any dish and it tasted like it fell from heaven. She loved baking and was famous amongst her family for her ‘Butter Chocolate Cake’. Her homemade lemonade could not be beat!

Evelyn was an anointed singer. She was known as the ‘Songbird of Southeast Texas’. The gift of her voice blessed many as she traveled to many cities and churches with her father, brother (Bishop Rufus Kyles, Jr.), and husband, singing with power and anointing. Her anointing was great. Everything her hands touched prospered in the strength of the Lord. Her ministry was LOVE. She loved you to life. Her light shined so bright and would inspire many young women to seek God and serve Him.

Upon her husband’s promotion to Pastor, Evelyn served as First Lady of the Jones Chapel COGIC (Jones Memorial), The Redeemed COGIC, and Outreach Cathedral COGIC. She believed in supporting her husband and served with him as First Lady of the Saint’s Progressive Evangelistic District and supported him in his recent role as Administrative Assistant for the Texas Greater Southeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

On Monday, May 11, 2020, Evelyn made her transition from this earthly life to heaven. She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Elder Autry Kyle, Sherman Kyle, Marthella Hopkins, W.L. Harris and Shirley Thompson.

Evelyn leaves to cherish many precious memories: her daughters Delea Cooper, Adelia Cooper, Carlette Nixon (Christopher), LoDesee Cooper, and Elyse Cooper; her grandson, Shane Nixon, and her siblings: Bishop Rufus Kyles, Jr. (Louisa) and Mae Ella Thomas (Jessie) and Johnella Thorn. Also remaining to sing her praises are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.