Shirley Gayle Cooper

Shirley Gayle Cooper, 95, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026, from natural causes, surrounded by her loving children: Nancy G. Morrow, Suzanne L. Cooper, and William B. Cooper, Jr.

Shirley was born on January 25, 1931, in Sheldon, Missouri, to Clyde William Hickman and Lydia Louise (Tyree) Hickman. She grew up in nearby Nevada, Missouri, as one of twelve children in a large, close-knit family. Her childhood was filled with the love and companionship of siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong community connections. Shirley often shared fond memories of laughter, family gatherings, and the joy of growing up surrounded by those she loved. She also experienced profound loss at an early age, with the passing of her baby sister Sharon in 1935 and her brother Douglas in 1941. That same year of 1941, two of her older siblings answered the call to serve their country during World War II. Hubert joined the Army and was deployed to the North Africa, Italian, and European theaters. Leta Mae joined the Army Nurse Corps and was deployed to the Pacific theater. This would create stories and memories that would remain part of her family’s history for generations.

Shirley attended elementary, junior high, and senior high school in Nevada, Missouri, and later pursued business education studies in Kansas City, Missouri.

While William B. Cooper, Sr. was home on leave from the United States Navy, mutual friends introduced him to Shirley Hickman. The two quickly formed a connection that would last a lifetime. They were married at First Baptist Church in Nevada, Missouri, and spent a brief honeymoon in Rockaway Beach before beginning their married life in Washington, D.C. There, Bill served with the U.S. Navy Test Squadron at Patuxent Naval Air Station while Shirley worked as an administrative assistant for a uniform manufacturing company. Together they built a remarkable partnership grounded in love, laughter, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment to family. When Bill passed away in 2017, they had spent 65 years dancing through life together.

Their marriage was blessed with three children: Nancy Gayle Morrow, Suzanne Louise Cooper, and William Bart Cooper, Jr. Shirley devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her family, creating a home filled with warmth, music, and acceptance. The sounds of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Dinah Washington, and beloved musical theater productions often filled the Cooper household. As her children matured and built families of their own, Shirley’s home remained the gathering place where engagements were celebrated, babies were welcomed, holidays were treasured, and memories were made.

Among the family’s most cherished traditions was the annual Fourth of July celebration. While there were cookouts and fireworks, it was Shirley and Bill’s enthusiasm for bringing people together that made those gatherings legendary. Shirley possessed a gift for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable stories. Her quick wit, sense of humor, and knack for finding joy in everyday life created countless memories for family and friends.

An exceptional cook, Shirley never relied on recipes. A pinch of this and a dab of that somehow became meals everyone looked forward to, especially her beloved Thanksgiving dressing. Her grandchildren knew that Grandma’s house was always stocked with Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls and 7UP, and they knew just as certainly that Grandma and Grandpa would always be there whenever they were needed. Through her example, Shirley taught generations of her family the importance of kindness, commitment, service, and creating a home where everyone felt welcome.

After working as an administrative assistant during her early married years, Shirley dedicated over a decade to raising her children. Later, she returned to the workforce as a medical secretary specializing in legal and insurance disciplines for physicians in Wichita, Kansas, and Omaha, Nebraska.

Faith was an important part of Shirley’s life. Raised in the Baptist tradition, she later became a member of Faith Presbyterian Church before joining Grace Presbyterian Church in the late 1970s, where she remained an active and devoted member for the rest of her life.

Throughout her life, Shirley embraced learning, adventure, and creativity. She loved gardening and later discovered a passion for quilting. She and Bill delighted in taking leisurely Sunday drives, exploring hidden treasures off the beaten path, and meeting interesting people wherever their travels led them. She enjoyed collecting fine china and was a devoted bargain hunter long before “thrifting” became popular. Yet, above all her interests and accomplishments, family remained her greatest joy.

In keeping with her love for nurturing growth and beauty, Shirley faithfully supported the Arbor Day Foundation through monthly contributions.

Shirley was a gifted storyteller, a devoted wife, a loving mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was strong, funny, sassy, principled, protective, vivacious, and endlessly welcoming. Whether traveling across the country, exploring another part of the world, or simply gathering around a family table, she found joy in people and places alike. She believed everyone deserved kindness, hospitality, and respect, and she extended those gifts freely throughout her life.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Nancy and husband Roger Morrow; daughter Suzanne Cooper; son William (Bill) Cooper, Jr. and spouse Charlotte Cooper; grandchildren Sterling Morrow, Lauren Ethridge, Benjamin Morrow, William Rosso, Caroline Cooper-Rosso, Lydia Peele, Laura Crigler, and Jenny Banwart; and her treasured great-grandchildren Grayson, Isla, and Coen Morrow; August and Edith Ethridge; Hayden and Elise Morrow; Noah Cooper-Rosso; Elizabeth, Emmaline, Annabelle, and Molly Peele; Rosalie and Rachel Crigler; and Theodore, Elias, and Vivian Banwart. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Argie Hickman, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William B. Cooper, Sr.; her parents, Clyde William and Lydia Louise Hickman; and her siblings Halbert Hickman, Maxine Tudor, Leta Mae Wallace, Hubert Hickman, Mark Hickman, Douglas Hickman, Martha Lou Evans, Janie Swan, Ginger Rogers, Sharon Hickman, and William Hickman, along with several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2026 at 10am at Grace Presbyterian Church, 5002 E. Douglas Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67208.A private family service will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, where Shirley and Bill will be interred together.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to the Arbor Day Foundation in Shirley’s honor.

"Together, Shirley and Bill created a safe, joyful, welcoming home whose warmth continues through generations. Her legacy lives on in every story shared, every family gathering cherished, and every act of love inspired by her example."