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Roy L. "Bud" Cooksey
Roy L. (Bud) Cooksey the grandfather of civil rights in Arizona died peacefully at home on August 12, 2009 after a courageous ten year battle with Alzheimers with family by his side. Roy was born on December 25, 1924 to Willie and Lula M. Cooksey in Dorcheat County, Arkansas. Roy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Malissia Thomas Cooksey; his eldest son, Roy L. Cooksey, Jr.; his grandson, James Deon Lennox and his only sibling, Margie R. Harris. Roy leaves behind his children, Gwendolyn Cooksey-Haynes, Joetta Cooksey-Cooper (Steve), Jacqueline Cooksey-Harrison, Cornell S. Cooksey, Sr,. Cleophus E. Cooksey and William J. Cooksey. Roy also left 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Roy's love of life, his compassion for people, and his unwavering belief in God and his jokes, will sorely be missed. A celebration of Roy's life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Trinity Temple C.M.E. Church, 1025 E. 30th Street, at 10:00 a.m. A public viewing will beheld at FUNERARIA DEL ANGEL SOUTH LAWN on Friday, August 21, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Aug. 19, 2009.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
GUEST BOOK
12 Entries
Roy was a gentle, good man, and I am glad to have known him. I knew him when I worked at the AG's office. He has been an inspiration to many people.
Beth Kane
September 19, 2009
Pop Im gonna miss you.I was privileged and honored to have spent your last couple of years with you. I have the utmost respect for you.Tell mom I love her,R I P !!!! JR.
August 31, 2009
Granddaddy, you will be missed, I love you! Jacque
August 27, 2009
Dad, you were my mentor, my inspiration. I was fortunate to have you invest time with me to help me grow into manhood. I have, and I know you would be proud of me today. Your advice helped me win many of the struggles our communities were faced with. I am proud to have known and be tutored by one of the greatest black leaders of our time.
Tyrone Haynes
August 21, 2009
John and I were sorry to learn of Roy's
death. He did a lot for this community.
Helen Schaefer
death. He did a lot for this community.
Helen Schaefer
Helen Schaefer
August 21, 2009
Dad I Love You! I will miss you so much. God showed me a "video" of my life with you. Oh my it was awesome. You were the best father a girl could ask for and I was blessed to have you. You showed me what a real man should be like as a husband, a father,as the head. I love you, say Hi to Mom, Roy & Deon.
Baby Girl
August 20, 2009
Dearest Jackie & Family
May God Bless you and your family i this tilme of sorrow.
With Love,
Harold and Geraldine Reaves and Family, Ontario, California
May God Bless you and your family i this tilme of sorrow.
With Love,
Harold and Geraldine Reaves and Family, Ontario, California
GERALDINE REAVES
August 20, 2009
Steve, Joetta and Family,
On behalf of General Vice President Gary Allen and the Western Territory staff we send our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. A grandfather of the Civil Rights movement in Arizona is courageous undertaking and we are forever blessed for the work he’s done to advance the rights of people in the state.
Our thought and prayer are with you and your family during this difficult time.
On behalf of General Vice President Gary Allen and the Western Territory staff we send our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. A grandfather of the Civil Rights movement in Arizona is courageous undertaking and we are forever blessed for the work he’s done to advance the rights of people in the state.
Our thought and prayer are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Western Territory Staff
August 19, 2009
Dad, as your first born, this is the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. What the heck am I going to do without your presence here with me.
I will do my best to continue the fight for equal rights, civil rights, fighting poverty and helping the least of us, the same as you and mom. Say hi to my mother, brother, nephew and aunt when you get there. I will forever miss you dad. GWEN
I will do my best to continue the fight for equal rights, civil rights, fighting poverty and helping the least of us, the same as you and mom. Say hi to my mother, brother, nephew and aunt when you get there. I will forever miss you dad. GWEN
August 19, 2009
I was saddened to read today that Roy Cooksey had passed away and that he had suffered so long with Alzheimers. I worked with Roy in the early eighties at the Civil Rights Division in the Arizona Attorney General's office. He was my mentor and advisor on several occasions. I loved to hear him tell stories about his life and valued his friendship. He made a difference to many people, including me. I share in your loss.
Karen Wilkison
August 19, 2009
Joetta and family,
Words surely cannot express the hurt and loss you are feeling at this time in regards to the passing of your father, grandfather and greatgrandfather. Mr. Cooksey, was the real deal. He was a Civil Rights institution. He like so many others of that era did their work to ensure future generations could attend schools, live and even dine wherever they/we so desired. I am grateful and honored to have known your dad. And even more grateful to have felt his energy and commitment in later battles we fought while in Tucson. Remember and cherish the time you had with him. May he rest in peace and may all of you find comfort in knowing he is in a much better place, free of pain and worry.....God is Able. Trust him!!
Words surely cannot express the hurt and loss you are feeling at this time in regards to the passing of your father, grandfather and greatgrandfather. Mr. Cooksey, was the real deal. He was a Civil Rights institution. He like so many others of that era did their work to ensure future generations could attend schools, live and even dine wherever they/we so desired. I am grateful and honored to have known your dad. And even more grateful to have felt his energy and commitment in later battles we fought while in Tucson. Remember and cherish the time you had with him. May he rest in peace and may all of you find comfort in knowing he is in a much better place, free of pain and worry.....God is Able. Trust him!!
Danny White
August 19, 2009
Dearest Jackie & family, my heart goes out to you, may God give you the strength to endure and entrust yourself to God and his will. Our prayers are with you all and family.
Radine Strong & family
Radine Strong & family
Radine Strong
August 19, 2009