Cora Lee Dover

Cora Lee (Cunningham) Dover of Arlington, Texas passed peacefully on October 5, 2023 in Kennedale, Texas at the age of 97 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  She is survived by her sister Jean Clark of Vernon, Texas, daughter Lori Norris of Arlington, granddaughter Jessica McPherson and her husband Steven of Burleson, and great-grandchildren Audrey, Whitney and William, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Marabel Cunningham of Crowley, her brothers Will, Dean and Ray Cunningham, and sister Carrie Blankenship, and her husband Lester Dover, to whom she was married for 54 years until his death in November, 2002.

Cora Lee was born in Fort Worth, Texas on November 2, 1925.  She graduated from Paschal High School a semester early in January, 1943 and went on to attend Texas Christian University.  She was employed at Southwestern Drug Company in Fort Worth from 1943 until the birth of her daughter in 1959, and later rejoined the workforce with JC Penney where she was employed from 1971 until her retirement in 1993.    

She was a dedicated community volunteer who served as PTA President, Girl Scout leader, and school carnival chair.  She led a weekly Bible study at a local nursing home for almost 20 years.  Cora Lee was a lifelong Methodist, and a devoted member of the First United Methodist of Kennedale since 1970. She taught Sunday School for children and adults, sang in the choir, served as lay leader and a delegate to the annual UMC conference, was on countless committees, volunteered for Vacation Bible School, worked in the church Mission Store every Friday, and was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s organization, for which she served as treasurer. 

A celebration of Cora Lee’s life and legacy is scheduled for Friday, November 3rd at the First United Methodist Church of Kennedale, 229 West 4th Street with the Rev. Dr. William Boyd and the Rev. Dr. Nelda Barrett Murraine officiating.  Visitation will take place in Dover Hall from 10:00 -11:00 AM and the service will be held at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations of any amount to her church or any organization serving Alzheimer's patients and their families would be appreciated. On-line gifts can be made to the general fund of FUMC Kennedale at https://secure.myvanco.com/YGKA/home.