Dorcas Louise Jones West (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Dorcas Louise West, daughter of William Freeman and Nellie Sophia Bilyeu Jones, was born November 19, 1922, near Hancock, Missouri. She departed this life Saturday, May 7, 2011, in Concordia Nursing Home, in Bella Vista, Arkansas, at the age of eighty-eight years, five months, and eighteen days.
On November 26, 1942, she was united in marriage to Garner Copley, and to this union two daughters and one son were born. Mr. Copley passed away on July 12, 1973.
On July 18, 1981, she was married to Millard West, who preceded her in death on March 4, 2007.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Terry Lynn Copley; a daughter, Twila Kay Burns; a grandson, Garrett Eixler; and a sister, Lois Eleanore Thompson.
Dorcas is survived by a daughter, Dianne Shoe, and her husband, Larry, of Bella Vista, Arkansas; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Paul Freeman Jones, of Fenton, Missouri, and LeRoy V. Jones, of Mountain Home, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in the Hancock, Missouri area, and graduated from Iberia High School, which was called Junior Academy. She then attended Junior College and later earned her Bachelor in Arts Degree from Drury University. After she and Garner were married, they made their home in Springfield, Missouri, and Dorcas was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family. Later, Dorcas moved to Lebanon and made her home. She began a career as an elementary teacher and taught two years in Manes, Missouri, two years at Gasconade C-4 School, and then nine years in Joel E. Barber School, retiring in 1982. For the last few years, Dorcas had made her home in Bella Vista, Arkansas, to be near Dianne.
Dorcas was an active member of South Five Church of Christ in Lebanon for many years.
She had belonged to the Orla Homemaker’s Club and the Wyota Business and Professional Women’s Club. She had also volunteered at the local hospital for several years. In her spare time she enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and reading. Her family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dorcas was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorcas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorcas?
Share a story where Dorcas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorcas you’ll never forget.
How did Dorcas make you smile?