Xavier D. Cooper

When loved ones talk about Xavier D. Cooper, one word comes up most often: Love.

Born on November 12, 2001, Xavier (affectionately known as Zay) loved adventure from birth. As a child, he practiced doing flips in the snowy front yard. Growing older, he became more of a daredevil, fearlessly riding roller coasters and enjoying swimming and spontaneous beach trips with his siblings. An honor roll student, he played football for Pattonville High School, graduating in 2020. On his 21st birthday, he celebrated by going skydiving and promised to take his parents ziplining someday.

Xavier was incredibly creative, drawing inspiration from The Joker, John Wick, Marvel Comics, and director Quentin Tarantino. He wrote captivating screenplays and planned to write more scripts for action, adventure, horror, and Western films. He expressed his creativity through music, painting, and photography, cherishing the value of capturing memories. He was stylish without being flashy, although he often flashed his signature dimpled smile.

Above all, Xavier cherished his family. From a young age, he sought to comfort loved ones during tough times. He was a devoted brother and uncle, never missing birthdays or special occasions, and had special handshakes with several family members. An avid food lover, especially his sister's macaroni and cheese, his mother's banana pudding, and his father's fried chicken, he expressed genuine gratitude for every meal they provided. Xavier was always willing to give back and insisted on buying dinner for the whole family on the most recent Father's Day. He worked hard at everything he put his mind to and consistently aimed to make his family proud.

At an early age, Xavier was baptized at the Church of the Living God and was admired for his peaceful and prayerful nature. He empathized deeply with others' pain and always courageously stood up against bullies and for justice. Praying with his family brought him immense joy, and his faith in God was unwavering.

Xavier passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, and gave the gift of life to many others as an organ donor. He is survived by his parents, Lawrence and Shanta Cooper; sister and brother-in-law, Marshay and Larry Fletcher, respectively; brothers, Marlon Dean and Joshua Cooper; paternal grandparents, Lawrence Cooper Sr. and Denise Cooper; maternal grandmother, Roxie Qualls; nieces and nephews, Jamari, Aavarie, Aadyn, Li Aylah, Mehlani, Orlando, and Jaier. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Jethro Demetrius Qualls. Alongside numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, they will forever remember him for his dedication, sense of humor, creativity, and gentleness.

SERVICES: The family is planning a memorial service to celebrate Xavier's life on Tuesday, August 8, at 10 a.m. at The Spirit Church (915 NW Plz Dr., St. Ann, Missouri 63074).

Zay touched many hearts and is very loved.

The Family would like to invite you to share photos and memories of Zay here on his Memorial page. Please submit your photos to AmbrusterChapel@yahoo.com.

To view shared photos, please click on the following link: Photo album

To view Xavier’s memorial video, please click on the following link: Memorial Video

To view video of Dove Release, please click on the following link: Dove Release