Shelia Mae Cooper

Shelia Mae Cooper, 76, courageously won her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on April 19th at The University of Kansas Medical Center, in Kansas City, Kansas.

She departed this world on her own terms, and left as feisty and graceful as she lived. In the face of a terminal illness, she told the world and her medical team that she would live, have no fear, and continue to play her penny slots at the local casino.

On the night of April 19th God and Shelia spoke, and determined that her work was done. They both decided that she had shocked her doctor’s enough times with miraculous recoveries, she had fussed enough at Monica/Morgan, shared enough laughter, gave enough brutally honest feedback, baked enough rolls, cooked enough of her famous crab dip, and her soul was right for travel. After visiting with Monica and a few loved ones earlier in the day, Shelia quietly left with Angels by her side from room 4207 that night.

Shelia was born November 15, 1941 in Slater, Missouri the youngest child to Worda and Dear Mae Cooper. She was proceeded in death by her parents, brothers Robert Stanley Cooper, George Francis Cooper; Sisters Violet Delores Innis, Rose Marie Williams, and Laura Ann Armstrong.

Shelia became the proud mother of Monica Lorraine Roberts, her only child, during her union with Montelle LeRoy Roberts, Sr.

Shelia graduated from Lincoln High School, worked at Heart of America United Way for 36 years until she retired, and started a second job with the Kansas City, Missouri School District until retirement.

She enjoyed volunteering with her daughter to help children impacted by homicide.

Her heart was dedicated to the philanthropic community, as she would give freely to others. Shelia would often bring children coats or birthday cakes to school, that were unable to afford them.

Shelia was baptized in the Catholic church and attended Risen Christ Catholic Church for most of her life.

She leaves a beautiful legacy: her biggest advocate/protector/cheerleader, daughter Monica Roberts, and the biggest joy of her life, her “grandbaby” Morgan Elizabeth Merritt; brother, LeRoy Cooper (Velma), a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special friends Sharon Hawkins and Rosalind Bauchum. Thank you to the dream team Bone Marrow Transplant Director, Dr. Joseph Mc Guirk, BMT Physicians, and the amazing unit 41/42 nurses.