Floyd Cooper

To God be the glory for the things He has done. The presence of the Lord blessed Utica, Mississippi on December 1, 1947 with the birthof our handsome and beloved Floyd Edward Cooper. Floyd was born to the proud parents the late Edmon Cooper and Ruby Harris –Cooper. While in the military, his mother Ruby Harris-Cooper went home to be with the Lord in 1970.At a very young and tender age, Floyd received Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior at Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church in Utica, Mississippiunder the leadership of Rev. Barksdale. He served on the choir, Sunday School and delegate to the various conferences with the C.M.E.Church. Floyd was a strong believer in God and upon migrating to Chicago he joined Broadview Missionary Baptist Church inBroadview, Illinois.Floyd received his formative education at Lt. Mount Elementary School until the school was consolidated with other small schools inHinds county and were transferred to Mixon Junior High School in Utica, Mississippi. Upon graduating from Mixon, he attendedHinds County Agricultural High School in Utica, Mississippi where he received his high school diploma in 1967. Shortly thereaftermigrating to Chicago, Illinois with his aunt Bessie and his Uncle Junior, he worked with his Uncle Junior until 1969 when the UnitedStates Army drafted him to serve his country. His maternal grandmother said they must have needed a “water boy” because Floyd wasso slender (small).After receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army Floyd returned to his love Chicago, Illinois andbegan to work at R.J. Reynold in 1973 and the company was sold to McCook Metal, in McCook, Illinois until 2002, the company wassold again.Upon returning to Chicago he met, fell in love with and married Rosezena Bully in 1973. To this union one daughter was born. Althoughthis marital union did not last, the two remained friends until her death.Floyd told many stories and we thought him to be the family comedian. However, he was serious when he told us this “I was walkingdown life’s highway a long time ago. One day I saw a sign that read, “Heaven’s grocery store.” As I got a little closer the door came openwide, and when I came to myself I was standing inside. I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere. One handed me a blanketand said, “My Child shop with care.” Everything a Christian needs is in that grocery store, and all you can’t carry, come back the nextday for more. First, I got some patience, Love was in the same isle. Further down was Understanding, needed everywhere you go. I gota bag or two of Wisdom, a bag or two of faith, I just couldn’t miss the holy Ghost, it was all over the place. I stopped to get some Strengthand Courage to help me run this race, but then I remembered Salvation is Free just like the others.” I trust in God and I trust in Jesuswho always carrying me through.Floyd heard the voice of Jesus saying well done thy good and faithful servant and took an early flight from mere human existence andjourneyed to his prepared mansion in that prepared place called heaven on Sunday April 8, 2018 around 2:32 A.M. Floyd changed hisaddress from the Veteran’s Hospital in Jackson Mississippi to Hallelujah Boulevard, Godstown, Heaven.Floyd was preceded in death by his parents: Edmon & Ruby Harris- Cooper, his brother Eddie Lee Cooper and sisters, Shirlean andRonder Cooper, Mildred Copeland, Connie Benson and Gwendolyn Jenkins.One thing that has never been truer is that Floyd loved, loved, loved his one and only daughter and her children. Becoming a granddaddywas one of the proudest days of his life and he doted on his great granddaughter. In March 2018 he migrated back to Mississippi withhis daughter as his health began to fail.Floyd leaves to cherish and nourish the wonderful memories to: His daughter Ruby Cooper-Jackson her husband Adrian L. Jackson;Grandchildren: Deontre , Donterius , Damarri , Daysha Cooper and Aubery Jackson of Brandon, MS; one great granddaughter:Englynn Rose Cooper of Brandon MS; Sisters: Jurdeen Wade of Utica, MS, Angela Faye Warner and husband Kent Warner ofHuntsville, AL, Shelia Cooper of Ridgeland, MS and Pearlie Owens of Terry, MS; Brothers: Melvin Cooper of Houston, TX and EarlCooper, of Clearwater, FL; Aunts: Emma Lee Harris who is also his godmother; Zillar M. Dixon, Willie Me Cooper and Carmen Wolfe;Uncles: Willie Lee Cooper and Calvin Mims; Two special nephews: Victor Cooper and Chauncy Copeland who was more like his sons;Five special cousins/friend who were like brothers to him: Karry Young, Albert J. Mims, Roy Young, Freddie Sanders and PercyCaston; A special friend for over 20 years: Mary Brown; A special friend to his grandson: Rosiland Crump. He is survived by manyother nieces, nephews and cousins. The class of 1967 and many dear friends; all of whom loved him dearly and will miss himterribly. Floyd was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being lovingand giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Floyd leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherishedmemories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember him with a smile.