Dorothy Bailey

Dorothy Cooper-Bailey, age 98, of Traverse City passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. She was born August 23, 1915 in Bloomfield Twp. to Leslie and Minerva (Williams) Finley. At a young age, Dorothy was adopted by Clara Cooper and was a much loved addition to the family. In 1934 she married the late Harold Cooper and together they had 2 children. After Herald’s death in 1943, Dorothy married Clark R. Bailey on April 14, 1944. Together they had 2 children.

Although Dorothy spent the majority of her life caring for her family, she did spend 17 years as a nurse’s aide at the Grand Traverse Medical Care Facility and then later she worked in central supply.

Dorothy was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a past Noble Grand of the Rebekah’s. In her spare time she enjoyed crocheting, crafting, reading, traveling, and volunteer work.

She will be greatly missed by her children: Herald Cooper of Traverse City, Joyce Taylor of Florida, Janice (Stephen) Donkers of Williamsburg, and Janet (Dean) Jennett of Williamsburg; sons Clark (Ima Jean) Bailey Jr. of Texas and Donald (Janet) Bailey of Grand Rapids; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved adoptive mother Clara Cooper, 1st husband Herald Cooper, 2nd Husband Clark Bailey, sons Charles and William Bailey, sisters Lailah Cooper and Pearl Friend.

The family would like to express the greatest appreciation to all the staff at the Grand Traverse Pavilions for their kindness and dedication to the care of Dorothy. She loved them and they loved her.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 1pm at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Burial will take place at Caldwell Twp. Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s name may be directed to that of the donor’s choosing.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.