Dewitt Leavon Cooper Sr.

Dewitt L. Cooper, Sr., the son of the late Walter and Marilyn Riggins Cooper, was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on July 14, 1932. He was baptized at an early age and remained a dedicated member of Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church. He was a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, and church choir member during his membership.
Dewitt attended the Duval County Public School, where he graduated from Stanton High with the class of 1952. His senior class voted and selected him as the most handsome male. As an alumnus, he was an active member of the 1952 class reunion committee until his passing.
As a teenager, he had a newspaper delivery route in the community. When he came of age, he was employed by Winn Dixie warehouse as a forklift driver.
While employed at Winn Dixie warehouse, he started the first organized employee's union. The union's sole purpose was to promote the rights of the employees at Winn Dixie. He remained with Winn Dixie before retiring after 35 years of dedicated service.
He served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1961 and was a Navy Heavy Attack Squadron member.
He started a security agency in the early 60s, which was recognized as the first and only African American security agency in Florida. As a senior, he established a lawn service in the local community to assist mostly the elderly. He was known to have rendered services to as many as 30 customers per month.
For a recreational sport, Dewitt enjoyed bowling. He bowled with an organized bowling team that was competitive with other groups. This was a sport that he enjoyed. During his military assignment, he played basketball with his shipmates to maintain his physical fitness.
Our father was a nurturing, loving, and caring person who deeply cared for all of his children and family.
As a grandparent, he was cool, unique, and walked to the beat of his drum. Dewitt wanted the best for all of us. He learned how to apologize. He was strong, showed unconditional love, and showed patience and love in his way. He carried a presence that was a signature to the Cooper family.
Dewitt was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Mae (2020); former wives, Eleanor (1988) and Freddyeryka (1986); and grandsons, Terrenyce and Johnathan.
His children survive him: Beverly C. Stone, Charlene C. Daniels, Hughesville, MD, Natalie C. Covington (Kenneth), Errol Cooper (Rhonda), Los Angeles, CA, Dewitt Cooper Jr. (Patricia), Demetri Cooper (Shelia), Algeree C. Fleming, Terrenyce Cooper (Dasha), Siteria C. Byrd (James, Sr.), and Terri C. Brooks; devoted step children, Kim Young and Roosevelt Hayes; grandchildren 21; great-grandchildren 26; great great-grandchildren 5; 4 loving step grandchildren; brother-in-law, Clifford Goff (Phyllis), loyal family friends: Betty Covington, Mary Byrd, and Juanita Copeland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.