Lady Dorothy Cooper was born in East Texas. She moved to Houston Texas at an early age attending public schools in the Houston Independent School District (HISD). She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kashmere High School in 1969. She received her BBA in business from North Texas State University in 1972.
In 1973, Lady Cooper married her high school sweetheart, Vern L. Cooper. They are the proud parents of two adult daughters Nicole and Kimberley and grandparents to one granddaughter, Madison Danielle Durio.
Dorothy accepted Christ in 1959 and was baptized under the leadership of the late Rev. (Dr.) P. L. Williams at the Trinity Gardens First Baptist Church. She worked faithfully in many areas of the church until she moved her membership in 1977 to be with her husband, now Pastor, Vern L. Cooper of the Ark of Restitution Church. At First Baptist Church she served as an officer in the Junior and Young Adult Choir, Usher Board, Young Adult Mission and the Baptist Training Union (BTU). She was also a faithful worker in the Puritan District Congress and the Association under the leadership of Dr. T. J. Compton and Moderator P. L. Williams.
Lady Cooper’s career in the financial industry has spanned almost 40 years at the PrimeWay Federal Credit Union. She has served in many areas, including her present position as Senior Vice President of Compliance and Security.
Lady Cooper continues to enhance her education and believes in serving others. She is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie School for Speaking, SW CUNA Management School, University of North Texas, a Teaching Certificate and an Associate degree from the College of Biblical Studies. She has been certified to do counseling and used that to do volunteer work at the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) for abused and battered women. She has done volunteer work at Interfaith Ministries by delivering food to senior citizens, and also volunteered for the LifeGift Association since she is a recipient of several corneas.
In addition to her role as First Lady of the Ark Church, she is director of the Sunday School, Bible Study Instructor, and Director of the Ark’s Women Ministry. Lady Cooper believes her gift is counseling and working with the needs and concerns of women.
Her hobbies include reading, shopping, watching old cowboy movies and travelling.
All through high school, Lady D., as she is commonly referred to at the church has kept her favorite scripture as a driving factor in all her endeavors. This scripture was in stilled in her by her mother, grandmother and great grandmother … Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”.
Lady Cooper credits all of the accomplishments and achievements in her life to her faith and belief in God. Her favorite motto and song is: “To God be the Glory for all the Good Things He has done!!!”