Alvin B. Cooper

Alvin Bernard Cooper, the son of the late James Henry Cooper and Ruby Rose Cooper, passed away on Monday, October 29, 2018. He was predeceased in death by his oldest siblings, Ruby Rebecca Cooper and James Victor Cooper.

Alvin, affectionately known as “Lil Buddy”, bore his illness with dignity. He was baptized at an early age and joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in 1959 under the leadership of the late Rev. J. W. Matthews and later re-joined on October 8, 2017 under present leadership of Pastor Raymond Diggs.

Lil Buddy loved to sing. He was inspired to sing at an early age with his older siblings, “The Cooperettes” under the leadership of their late father, James Henry Cooper. As a member of Antioch, Lil Buddy served with the Jr. Usher Board and Boy Scout Troop 102, as well as a former member of the Male Choir.

Lil Buddy was employed with the C&P phone Company (Verizon), Norfolk Public School Systems as a substitute teacher, TRT, Union Mission and Farm Fresh (Berkley).

Lil Buddy was high in academics. He graduated from Historic Booker T. Washington High Class of 1968 and later received his bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State College (University) in Norfolk, VA. His accomplishments and affiliations included: (1) Speaking 3-4 languages, (2) Member of the Booker T. Washington Marching Band where he played several instruments, and (4) Member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Lil Buddy leaves behind a great Cooper Family legacy.

He leaves to cherish his life and legacy with his brothers, E. Charles Cooper (Cynthia) of Springfield, VA, Larry C. Cooper of West Covina, CA, John F. Cooper (Angelina) of Chesapeake, VA and Kenneth Cooper Alexander (Donna) of Norfolk, VA; sisters, Shirley M. Whitley (Roland, Sr.) of Chesapeake, VA, Mary E. Cooper of Portsmouth, VA, Michelle Cooper Okerchiri (Edmund) of Vienna , VA and Rita Whitaker of Norfolk, VA ; nephews, Roland, Jr., Antonio and Jonathan all of Chesapeake, VA, Joshua of West Covina, CA, Jerrell & Devon, both of Norfolk, VA; nieces, Deshawn of Chesapeake, VA, Kendra of Norfolk, VA, Taylor of Springfield, VA, Morgan of Seattle, WA and Faith of Newport News, VA and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.