Michael Christopher Cooper's Obituary
Michael Christopher Cooper Sr., affectionately known as Mike, Coop, Spice and Small Fry, was born on September 30, 1984, in Oakland, CA to his loving parents, Gary and Antoinette (Renee) Cooper. Michael was raised in a strong, loving, and blended family dynamic which included his stepmother, Janet Cooper and stepfather, Archie Ellis.
Michael professed his love for Christ and was baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit at an early age. He attended Glenview Elementary, Edna Brewer Middle School, Oakland High and later transferred to and received his high school diploma from Next Step Learning Center of Oakland. Growing up Michael was an elite athlete and played for numerous all-star baseball and basketball teams across the Bay Area. Before he was “Mike” he was “Lil Mike”, always the smallest, but hands down the most feared on the court and on the field.
Later in life, Michael decided to go back to school to further his education and was accepted into Cal State East Bay where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. After earning his degree, Michael worked with at-risk kids helping them see past their bleak circumstances and instilling in them the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them. Just recently, Michael found a love for bicycling and fitness and began actively participating in “ride outs” where hundreds of bicyclists would gather and ride their bikes together in various cities throughout the bay area.
Michael was a dedicated father who absolutely loved his 2 children, Michael Cooper Jr. (Lil’ Mike) and Armani Cooper (Juju). If you asked Michael, he would tell you they were his pride and joy, and his greatest fear was failing them. He was driven to provide and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to ensure their well-being. He supported them endlessly through their accomplishments as well as their hardships. Michael enjoyed spending quality time with his children, whether at the gym with Michael Jr. for what they referred to as “happy hour” or getting his nails painted by Armani, allowing her to express her love for fashion.
Michael loved family and had an amazing bond with his late Granny, Willie Bell. They ate black eyed peas together every New Year’s Day and after her passing, Michael continued this tradition by visiting her gravesite with a bowl of black-eyed peas. He also shared a special connection with his first nephew Ricky Wilkerson III, who was more like a brother to him. Michael always joked that Ricky made him “great” by making him a great uncle.
Michael departed this life on July 9, 2022. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Mose Cooper, Rosie Cooper, Ray Jackson Sr., and Willie Bell Jackson and his oldest brother Eric Cooper. He leaves to cherish his memory and live out his legacy his father Gary Cooper, mother Antoinette (Renee) Cooper, stepfather, Archie Ellis, stepmother Janet Cooper, children, Michael Cooper Jr., Armani Cooper, and bonus son Willie Jason Williams, brothers, Ricky Wilkerson II, Gary Cooper Jr., Maurice Cooper, Michael McNeally, Dajon McNeally, Alex McNeally, and sister Sanita McNeally, a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Michael will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
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