Jessie Cooper, Jr.

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Jessie Cooper, Jr. was born on October 7, 1952 in Hayti, MO to Jessie and Mildred Cooper.  He passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 31, 2014, resting in his bed at home. 

      Jessie spent half his life in Hayti and the other half in Memphis.  He worked for Memphis Light, Gas, and Water for 17 years and retired from there in September 2014.  He enjoyed cruising the mall and walking on Beale Street in downtown Memphis, as well as spending time with family and friends.  He loved the blues and would make blues CDs for family and friends.

     He attended Central Elementary School and graduated from Hayti High School in 1970.  Jessie attended Lincoln University briefly and when he came home, married Dorothy Diggs of Hayti, MO.  They had two children, Lashonn Cooper and Kimberley Belinfanti.  Jessie was extremely proud of his two children and loved all of his grandchildren.  He was baptized at St. Luke United Methodist Church as a child.  Later, he was baptized at Cedar Street Missionary Baptist Church. 

            Jessie was preceded in death by his father, Jessie Cooper, Sr.; his brother, Lonzo Cooper; and his grandson, Jordan Cooper.

      He leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Lashonn Cooper and Kimberley (Omar) Belinfanti both of Atlanta, GA; his mother, Mildred Cooper and sister, Mary Ann Binion both of whom are of Hayti, MO and provided loving care for him throughout his illness.  Jessie is, also, survived by two uncles, Cleo Ross of Kansas City, MO and Thomas Ross of Anderson, IN; five grandchildren, Brittany Cooper, Breanna Cooper, Jayla Cooper, Bailey Cooper, and Colin Belinfanti; three close friends, Sam Carter and Catherine Baker of Memphis, TN, and Willie Peagues of Gosnell, AR; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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