Shelby D. Cooper Obituary (1940 - 2023)

Shelby Dean Cooper, of Chester, Virginia, departed to be with the Lord on March 2, 2023. Shelby Cooper was born on May 26, 1940, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to the late Arthur Lee Motley and Helen Sue Motley. She was raised by her maternal grandmother, the late Emma McKinley. Shelby accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Zion Baptist Church in Northport, Alabama. Shelby graduated from Riverside High School in Northport, where she was the salutatorian and a majorette. Shelby later relocated to New York City, where she had a long and fulfilling career in the medical field. She also joined Paradise Baptist Church and was rebaptized by her brother-in-law, Rev. Lee Arrington. The city eventually led her to the love of her life, Cpl. Rudolph Franklin Cooper. They were married and later moved to Chester, Virginia, upon his retirement. Shelby was a devoted wife, loving mother, caring sister, and cherished loved one to so many. She was a meticulous homemaker who was known for her famous pies, incomparable red rice, and heartful conversations. She lived life to the fullest, had a sense of style, and enjoyed traveling to Memphis, New Orleans, and the Bahamas - all without ever getting a driver's license. Shelby will be fondly remembered for her bold yet warm presence and strength. Shelby was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy, on December 16, 1996, and one brother. She is survived by her sister Patricia Arrington (Lee); children, Andrea Leslie (Michael), Andre Gay Sr., Katrina Gray, and Donnetta Wells; spiritual daughter, Karen Adams; grandchildren, Ebony Zavala, LaShaunda Craddock (Leroy), Tiffany Tuller, Anthony Harris (Crystal), Dominique Merriman, Erika Wells, Eric Wells, Derrick Wells Jr., Andre Gay Jr., and Emanni Gay; and a host of great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull St, Richmond, VA 23224, on Friday March 10, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 11AM-12PM. Shelby will be laid to rest at Maury Cemetery, 2700 Maury Street in Richmond immediately following the service.