Jasper Cooper, Jr.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

~ II Timothy 4:7

JASPER COOPER JR., born on May 14th, 1947, in Henderson, North Carolina, to the late Jasper Cooper Sr. and Priscilla Cooper, peacefully passed away on March 11th, 2025, after a brief yet courageous battle with illness.

In the 1970s, Jasper left his hometown of Henderson and moved to New York City, where he built a life filled with faith, hard work, and unwavering dedication. He held various jobs before finding his true calling as a cook at the Willowbrook facility in Staten Island, NY. For over 35 years, he devoted himself to his work with an unmatched commitment. Rain or snow, he rarely missed a day, and by the time he retired in 2009, he had accumulated enough sick days to retire two months early, a testament to his dedication and loyalty.

It was at Willowbrook where Jasper met his beloved wife, Linnie Cooper. They shared over 30 years of love and companionship before her passing on January 27th, 2024. Though life without her was difficult, Jasper faced immense challenges with remarkable strength. In the same year, he not only grieved the loss of his wife but also received a terminal diagnosis and lost his dear sister. Despite these trials, his joy and faith remained steadfast, embodying the spirit of Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Jasper was a man of deep faith, renewing his peace and joy in the Lord every day. More than 20 years ago, he became a dedicated member of the Staten Island Prayer Band, faithfully serving under Bishop Ralph Gorham. Jasper was always ready to serve his church family in whatever way possible, from driving the church van to transporting members to Mount Vernon, Maryland, North Carolina, and Ohio. His commitment to service extended far beyond the call of duty. He was an usher, opened the church doors for service, fed the homeless, shared the goodness of Jesus with anyone who would listen, and worked in the National Convention of the Apostolic Faith Church of Giving Grace as part of the security team—long before he was officially appointed as a Deacon. He was also the Bible School Superintendent and a member of the choir . His service was never about titles but about his heart for people and his deep love for God.

Jasper's love for cooking was another way he showed care and affection for those around him. His legendary turkey wings, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens were staples at every holiday gathering. Cooking wasn’t just a task for Jasper; it was an expression of love. The joy he took in watching his family and friends enjoy his meals will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of sharing in his culinary delights.

Jasper was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Linnie Cooper, and his sisters Mary “Cook” B. Cooper and Katie C. Davis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Shakira Cooper Gillespie, Nicole Holcomb, Damon Cooper, and Brianna Cooper; his stepchildren: Emma Jean Salinsky, Robert Ussery Jr., and Linell Boone; his siblings: Irene Harrington (James), Edward “BC” Cooper, Patricia A. Cooper, and Joseph B. Cooper; his brother-in-law Milton M. Davis; along with a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends who loved him dearly.

Jasper Cooper Jr. was a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and simple joys. He worked tirelessly, loved fiercely, and cooked with a heart full of soul. While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate the life he lived—a life that was a true reflection of love, faith, and dedication. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his love will never fade.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Cooper's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mr. Jasper Cooper, Jr..

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

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