Evelyn Cooper

Born in Oran, Mo., the fourth child of Bertha Fisher and Robert Fisher, Aug. 3, 1923, Evelyn Lavern Fisher Cooper departed this life Thursday, July 5, 2007, in Austin, Texas.

Evelyn is survived by two brothers, Raymond Fisher of Neelyville, Mo., Hershel Fisher of Advance, Mo.; three sisters, Marie Widner of Durand, Mich., Helen Shoaf of Sikeston, Mo., and Wanda Ponce of Bell City, Mo.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Norma Bollinger of Cape Girardeau and Hazel Kennedy of Advance.

After her marriage to Chlorus Cooper of Fredericktown, Mo., in 1942, they made their home in St. Louis, living in University City, where they raised two sons and Evelyn worked for Famous-Barr department store more than 40 years, until her retirement at age 80.

She was a member of Hanley Road Baptist Church and an avid supporter of Missouri Baptist Children's Home. Her husband preceded her in death in 1982.

Evelyn's greatest pride was in her family. Raising her family in University City, she was a great promoter of Khoury League baseball and could often be seen at the parks cheering her boys on. She was an active parent in Boy Scouts, YMCA and Kappa Sigma Mothers organizations as her family grew.

She is survived by two sons, Donald Cooper of Austin, Texas, Robert Cooper of Brighton, Mich.; five grandchildren, Stephen Cooper of Austin, Tracy Stiller of Evergreen, Colo., Shannon Freiermuth of Tarpon Springs, Fla., Stephanie Skown of Novi, Mich., Melissa Fischer of Birmingham, Mich.; and 13 great-grandchildren ages four months to 14 years.

Visitation will be today from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 9 a.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Thomas Bray officiating. Burial will be in Marcus Memorial Cemetery in Fredericktown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Evelyn to the Missouri Baptist Children's Home at 11300 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, Mo., 63044, or online at www.mbch.org.