Delores Shaw Cooper, 75, of Columbia, South Carolina, peacefully entered into the loving arms of God on January 11th, 2026, surrounded by her family. She lived a life marked by love, faith, service, and steadfast devotion to her family and community.

Delores, affectionately known as “Lo”, was born February 26th, 1950 in Kingstree, SC to the late Roland Shaw and Saraphine Dozier Shaw. She was one of four children. After graduating from Tomlinson High School, she furthered her education at South Carolina State University, and later completed her bachelor’s degree at Federal City College (now the University of the District of Columbia) in Washington, D.C.

She married her high school sweetheart, the late Earl A. Cooper, Sr. in March of 1970. To this union were born four children, including three wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter – Kettrele Cooper, Sr., Earl Cooper, Jr., Bianca Cooper, and Christopher Cooper – each a testament to her boundless love, encouragement, and pride as a mother.

Delores balanced her role as a loving mother with a successful career in public service and business. She worked for the federal government in Washington, DC, and upon relocating with her family to Columbia, SC, she continued her career, working for the state of South Carolina. She later pursued a career in real estate, earning the title of “Rookie of the Year” in her very first year at one of the largest brokerage firms in Columbia. For over 30 years, she has been a respected and award-winning real estate professional — continually recognized in President’s and Executive’s Clubs — before founding her own company, D.C. Properties and Real Estate Services, later known as Cooper & Associates Realty, LLC.

Delores’ faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devout believer, she loved the Lord wholeheartedly and had a scripture for every season of life. She served faithfully as both a Missionary and Evangelist in the Church of God in Christ and in non-denominational churches in the Columbia area. She was most recently a member of the Right Direction Church International.

She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Erskine R. Shaw. Delores leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Kettrele Cooper, Sr., Earl Cooper, Jr., Bianca Cooper, and Christopher Cooper; her siblings, Celestine Shaw and Roland (Carol) Shaw; her grandchildren, Kettrele (LaPorsha) Cooper, Jr., Joshua Cooper, Kaylan Cooper, Shyquan Johnson, and Deja Frederick; seven great-grandchildren, Karson, Karter, Kayson, Kinsleigh, London Delores, Logan, and Landon; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many other loving relatives and caring friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.