Today our hearts are heavy with both sorrow and gratitude, as we say goodbye to brothers Samuel and Mark Cooper. Men of honor, who had incredible passion and spirit.
Samuel and Mark were born to the union of Bill Matt and Doris Mae Cooper. Both proceeding them in death. They were born in Cleveland, Ohio. Samuel on April 13, 1964, Mark on May 19,1971.
They both received their education from the Cleveland Public Schools. From childhood the brothers had an unbreakable bond and could often be seen together. They both had a love for sports. Samuel ran track at Nathan Hale Junior High and was hailed as the “fastest kid in school”. Mark played basketball and baseball for little league teams and John Adams High School, receiving many accolades and awards.

Samuel and Mark were born to God-fearing parents. The lack of church on Sundays was not always an option. They spent summers along with their other siblings attending vacation bible school. This laid the foundation for both Samuel and Mark when they made the decision to professed God as their Lord and Savior.

Mark had a love for his mother that was both real and angelic, he dedicated his life taking care of her up until her death. He took such excellent care of his mother, and his siblings could not have been more grateful and proud of him. He personified what unconditional love looked like.

Although Samuel and Mark held jobs in the cleaner industry, construction, and transportation. Learning the trade of landscaping from their father was their biggest passion. They once ran a landscaping business together and had big dreams of reuniting and expanding that business up until their passing. They both did everything with eagerness and zeal and that was inspiring to all who knew them.

Whether it was their love for music, dedication to landscaping or commitment to family, they did everything with their whole heart. Samuel leaves to mourn his children Devin, Chelsea, and Derek.

Samuel and Mark also leave to mourn the five living siblings. Eldest brother Lovelle (Estelle) proceeds them in death. Sharon Crawford (Arzell), Denise Cooper-Menefee, Joyce Wilcox (Charles), Sheila Parnther and Darlene Cooper-Clay. Samuel’s grandchildren, nephews, nieces and a host of other relatives and friends. Nephew William “Pete” Watts, who was more like a brother also proceeded them in death.

Today, as we say goodbye to our beloved brothers, we have gratitude for God who allowed us to have these men in our lives.

They may no longer be with us, but their spirit, love, and passion will live on in each of us. We will hold onto the memories, the laughter and the love they shared with us. And in doing so we keep their spirit alive. Farewell, dear brothers, until we meet again.