Dolores Gail Cooper Stephens,81 , of Chattanooga, passed away on April 1, 2020. Gail was born October 30, 1938 in Chattanooga, She was a 1956 graduate of Ooltewah High School, and then worked as assistant to the pharmacist in the Clinic at Erlanger Hospital, during which time she became interested in nursing.

Gail received her nurse's training in Dalton, Georgia, and served as president of her graduation class. After graduation, she worked as a surgical nurse in the operating room at Hamilton Medical Center, and later for Dr. Earl T. McGhee, as his personal office nurse, for ten years.

Her next twenty plus years were spent in the Atlanta area where her husband, Kenneth, was stationed with CSX Transportation. Gail was employed by West Paces Ferry Hospital and Dr. David R. M. Dennison in Atlanta, and HEALTHDYNE Perinatal Services, now Matria, in Marietta, Georgia. She served as Customer Service Representative for both the east and west coast. (This company did high tech monitoring for high risk pregnancies, and the CEO invented the SIDS monitor.)

While living in Atlanta, Gail was stricken with a serious heart infection, the effects from which she never fully recovered.

Her family, friends, and physicians often remarked about Gail's will to press forward during adversity. She often expressed her gratitude to God and to her wonderful Emory/Crawford Long doctors who were always there for her.

Gail was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church. She accepted Christ at the age of nine, and led a friend to follow the Lord that same summer at camp. Over the years, Gail taught Sunday school, served as Cub Scout den mother, and loved having her children's friends in her home.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents Delmont T. Cooper, Doris Cooper Bates and stepfather, Oran C. Bates, as well as her brother Ron cooper, grandson Tyler Stephens and great grandson Calvin Joseph Stephens.

Survivors are her husband of 63 years, James Kenneth Stephens; Son, Michael (Kelly) Stephens, of Atlanta; Daughter, Michele (Doug) Peters, of Chattanooga; Grandsons, Alex (Megan) Stephens, U.S. Nuclear Navy, Charleston, SC; Cameron Stephens, of Atlanta; Granddaughter, Chelsea (Tyler) Smith, of Atlanta; Great Grandsons, Riley and Jordan, of Charleston, SC; Great Granddaughter, Hailey Elizabeth Smith; Brother, David (Peggy) Cooper, of Chattanooga; Stepsister, Mary C. (Carl) Tallent, of Ooltewah. Dearly loved nieces and nephews also survive.

Gail's legacy may be best summed up by the words of a song: "Lean on Me when you're not Strong, and I'll be your Friend;" She was a loyal friend and confidante to many.

Both in living and in dying, Gail was sustained by her faith in God and love of her family and friends. Gail's journey is a testament of the peace and strength that comes from simple, steadfast faith.

Service and burial will be private, as Gail requested.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson (423) 531-3975.