Mr. Terry Lee Cooper

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Terry Lee Cooper, a beloved father, brother, grandfather, and friend to many. Terry left this world on May 16, 2026, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle with illness. He was born on April 17, 1959, in Greenville, Mississippi, and his journey through life was marked by kindness, dedication, and an unwavering love for those around him. Terry was a man who wore many hats throughout his life, but his most cherished roles were those of a devoted family member and friend. He was preceded in death by his cherished parents, Dallas Brooks and Leola Cooper, his brother John Willie Moore, his sister Easter Moore, his dear aunts Johnnie Mae Moore and Maude Evans, his uncle Henry Johnson, nieces LaTonya Cooper and Latorya Moore, nephews Marquee Lee and Christopher Moore, and his beloved step-son Jamell Jefferson Sr. Their memories lived on in Terry's heart, and now he joins them in eternal peace. Terry is survived by a large and loving family who will forever cherish his memory. He leaves behind the mother of his children, Ollie Mason of Chicago, IL, and his lifetime companion, Brenda Jefferson of Flint, MI. His legacy continues through his children: Terrance Cooper of Peoria, IL, Jatarik Mason of Flint, MI, and Terry Cooper II (Nicole) of Columbus, OH; his daughters Latoya (Eric) Matthews of Conyers, GA, Angelia Mason, and Lasondra (Dex) Cooper of Flint, MI; and stepson Ferrian (Ceci) Jefferson of Smiths Station, AL. Terry's brothers, Andre Cooper, Otis Cooper of St. Louis, MO, and Larry Brooks, and his sisters Sharon Cooper, Aretha Swilley, Rayshell Swilley, Tywuan Cooper all of Greenville, MS, and Johnnie Mae Davenport of Daytona Beach, FL, will continue to honor and celebrate his life. Terry was the proud grandfather of 32 grandchildren: Rashaad Flora, Ra'Meiro Mason, Shaqur Brewer, Jakari Boyd, Jamareon Mason, Sincer Boyd, Jatavious Dawson, Raheem Flora, Zion Mason, Terance Cooper, Terrion Cooper, Ryan Lee, Tayvion Cooper, Ferrian Jefferson Jr, Jamell Jefferson Jr, Breshia Ross, Rakiyah Flora, DaMone Boyd, Aziya Mason, Tayloir Cooper, Tailyn Cooper, Zariyah Cooper, Destini Jefferson, Toni McDonald, Aaliyah Jefferson, Terrance Flora, Elijah Flora, De'Monta Flora, Tiara Flora, Tanija Flora, Tiyayia Flora, and Terra Flora. His love and wisdom will be passed down through the generations, ensuring his spirit lives on. For 28 years, Terry served as a School Safety Advocate with the Flint Community Schools, retiring in September 2014. His dedication to the safety and well-being of students was unparalleled, and he was a respected figure within the community. Terry's passion extended beyond his career; he had a zest for life that was contagious. He was an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for his favorite teams, the Lakers and the Steelers. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—cooking his famous fried chicken, pork chops, and barbecue, and listening to the soulful music of his favorite singer, Joe Thomas. Terry's life was further enriched by the company of dear friends such as Tanisha Ingram, Mona Jefferson, May Francis, Jason Gilliard, Alphonso Curry Jr., Sabrina Dickey, and Kenny Grear, along with Corday and Julius Brown, who were like family to him. A service to honor and celebrate the life of Terry Lee Cooper will be held on May 23, 2026, at 9:15 AM at the Sheldon I. Banks Funeral Chapel, located at 3021 S. Dort Highway, Flint, Michigan. Family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects, sharing in the warmth and love that Terry brought to all who knew him. In our hearts, Terry Lee Cooper will remain a beacon of love, strength, and compassion, a man who lived his life with dignity and left an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him. May he rest in peace, forever cherished and remembered.