Billie Elizabeth Bell-Cooper, age 102 of Morristown, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, February 6, 2023.

A graduate of Emory & Henry College, Billie worked briefly as a school teacher before she married S.J. Cooper.

She lived in the Chicago area and Boulder, Colorado for many years before returning to her native Morristown.

A Christian of the Methodist faith, Billie will also be remembered as a philanthropist; having donated parcels of land to the Hamblen County Rescue Squad; and to the state for the construction of Merchants Greene Boulevard. She also was an avid fan of the UT Vols football team.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert & Mabel Bell; husband, S.J. Cooper; son, John W. Cooper; brother, Dr. H.J. Bell; granddaughter, Jessica L. Cooper; and son-in-law, Robert E. Couve.

She is survived by her children, Janus M. Couve; Joan P. Cooper (Lisa Jones); Jeff T. (Susan) Cooper; grandchildren, Amanda Couve, & Kevin Ransom; great-grandchildren, Vincent & Aubree Palumbo; brother, John Bell; nieces, Terri Bell (Matt) Wilson, Paige Bell (Jason) Foster, Stephanie (Justin) VonGortler; grand-nieces, Savannah Bell Wilson & Adelaide Bell Foster; & grand-nephews, Trey (Alexa) & Henry VonGortler; dear friend, Marilyn Taylor; as well as many extended family members and friends.

The family would like to extend special thanks to her numerous caregivers & friends, Donna Newman, Bobbie Gardner, Tina McKinney, Madelyn Cotter, Bonnie Curl; and the staff at Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, especially Beth Long & Sherman McKinney; Dr. Rajeev Gupta; the staff at Howard’s Pharmacy, especially Virginia Carey; and so many others who have been so kind to her family over the years.

Pastor Trevor Roberts will preside over a graveside service, which will be held at 4:30PM Thursday, February 9, 2023 at Bethesda Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Rescue Squad, Noah’s Ark, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Mayes Mortuary.