Barbara Jane Cooper

Barbara Jane Cooper, 82, of Denton, Texas passed peacefully into Christ’s arms on April 8

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, 2023.

Barbara was born the youngest of two to Earl Traylor and Opal Agnes Welch on November 24th, 1940, in Hughes Springs, Texas. They would later move to Marshall, Texas where Barbara would live the early part of her life.  With Traylor and Opal highly involved in Hillcrest Baptist church, Barbara would spend much of her time at the church.  While there she would learn to play the piano and would spend countless hours singing and playing piano for various church functions.

After several moves Barbara would end up in Tucson, Az working for AMA Retailers where she would meet Tommy Lee Dollar. They were wed in 1967 and had two children, Joe Michael Alexander and Vicki Lynn Dollar.  This perfect family would be devastated when Tom was killed in a tragic car accident in 1976.  Barbara would go on continuing to pour herself into her work and family.

Before Tom’s death they moved to Carrollton, Tx where Barbara would begin her lifelong career in the grocery business. Joining Kroger Co. in 1969 and was quickly promoted to management in 1974. In 1977 she became the first female Store Manager for Kroger in a male dominated industry.  It did not take her long to set the standard and open the door for women in the grocery industry.  She loved to tell the story of going toe to toe with a Market Manager that challenged her authority. He along with anyone else not on board would never stand a chance.  Barbara would later join the Tom Thumb Page company achieving the position of Safety Coordinator.

During her time with Kroger, Barbara would meet the future love of her life David Edward Cooper.  She thought he was cocky, and Dave thought she had an attitude. They were both right so in 1978 they were married and would begin a love affair that would last the next 44 years.  Both of them retired in 1995 and lived life to the fullest for the next 27 years.

Mike would go on to become a Master Electrician while Vicki would later marry Matt Edwards in 1991.  Perhaps two of the happiest moments in Dave and Barbara’s life were in 1997 when Matt and Vicki announced they were pregnant with Cooper Lee Edwards, then again in 2001 with Madison Claire Edwards.  These two brought joy into their lives they had never experienced.  Their lives would never be the same now being Grammie and Grandad. Cooper and Madi became the center of their universe, never missing a birthday or holiday and traveling to numerous sporting or school events.  There are no words to express how proud they are of their two grandchildren and the love they have for them.

Dave and Barbara traveled extensively, all over the United States, Europe, Canada and Hawaii.  Prior to retirement Dave and Barbara moved to Cedar Creek Lake, a house they had purchased in 1980, and used to escape and entertain all who would come.  With two grandchildren in Amarillo, they wanted to move closer and found Robson Ranch near Denton.  This became exactly what they were looking for and they spent the next 17 years building strong and meaningful relationships that will forever be fondly remembered as some of the best years of their lives.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Opal and Traylor Welch, her brother William Traylor Welch and Husband David Edward Cooper. She is survived by her loving family Mike Alexander, Vicki Edwards and husband Matt, grandchildren Cooper and Madison Edwards.

A graveside service will be held at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery on Monday, April 17

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, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Barbara is requested to make a contribution to The Alzheimer’s Association at Alz.org/westtexas