Evelene Cooper, age 89 of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 20, 2018, at her home.

Born in Itawamba County, MS on October 12, 1928, she was the daughter of the late William and Lonie (Smith) Fennell. She moved to Kenosha 68 years ago.

At the age of 15, and to the shock of her mother, Evelene eloped to marry the love of her life, James Cooper on February 12, 1944 in Fulton, MS. After 48 years of marriage, James preceded her in death.

She was employed as a retail clerk with the Military Exchange Store, retiring in 1988.

Evelene enjoyed gardening, cooking, crocheting and completing word search puzzles. She was a die-hard Cubs fan and loved listening to country music.  But most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Evelene is survived by her children, Louise, Patty, Janet and Jerry (Linda) Cooper, all of Kenosha, Larry (Kathryn) Cooper of Racine and Linda Earnest of North Carolina; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She is further survived by her siblings, James (Kay) Fennell, Margie (Doyce) Steele and Diane (Phillip) Crane, all of Mississippi; her daughter-in-law, Kathleen Patla; and son-in-law, David Jenkins.

In addition to her parents and husband, James; she was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Jenkins; and a brother and two sisters.

The family extends it appreciation to all who played such an important part in Evelene’s life with special thanks to Dr. Joseph Paukner and his staff, especially, Barb; Margaret Ladvienka, a wonderful caregiver and special friend; Aurora at Home Hospice team especially, Holly and Kahli; special friends of the family, Candy Easter and Nancy Johnson; the Kenosha Christian Fellowship Church family who offered us love and support so many times; and the Vickrey United Methodist Church of Greensboro, NC for all of the cards and prayers.

Service Info

Funeral Service honoring Evelene’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue. Interment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.