Wayne Lamont Cooper, or "Coop" as he was affectionately known, was born on February 3, 1947, to Percy Cooper and Bernice Stafford. He spent his formative years in Cambridge, Maryland, and loved being outdoors. He spent much of his childhood, alongside his brother, Percy, enjoying things like swimming and hunting. His reputation as a protector preceded him as he was often taking up for his siblings. Coop took pride in overcoming his surroundings and not being defined by one's background. He was a staunch believer in redemption and second chances, and made it his life's mission. To that end, Wayne was always an advocate for the disadvantaged and underserved. Even at a young age, he participated in civil rights events organized by prominent leaders such as H. Rap Brown on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, something he was immensely passionate about and proud of. He saw potential in those who couldn't see it within themselves.
Later, Wayne met and fell in love with the love of his life, Paula A. McCoy, in 1981. Eventually, they married on September 1st, 1990 and together raised three boys, Ami, Ty and Deshawn.
Coop loved people, was an avid reader and a consummate wordsmith. These skills were bedrock throughout his career. He spent years honing his skills in customer service, traveling between Maryland and Michigan, selling insurance.
Wayne later pivoted to a life of service to the community. He was able to touch people in a unique way and did so with the utmost excellence. Wayne spent several years working with the Young Fathers Responsible Fathers program with his lifelong best friend Sheridan Stanley. In 1986, he began working as a Senior Counselor at X-Cell, Inc., where he touched the lives of both juveniles and adults on their path to recovery from substance use.
Wayne's keen ability for engaging people and knowledge of Baltimore neighborhoods and culture made him one of the city's best at performing street outreach. Throughout the 1990's, he joined Friends Research Institute, where he oversaw a special project to conduct street outreach to provide resource treatment services for those dealing with opioid dependency. His work was tantamount in stabilizing the lives of the underserved.
He also spent several years improving the lives of homeless youth through the Fellowship of Lights as Director of Outreach Services. During his tenure, he was integral in connecting young people with much-needed resources to help them grow and live successful lives.
Wayne was always known for fostering lifelong relationships with those he served, often keeping in touch with them for many years. One of those relationships, dating back to his days as counselor for X-Cell, Inc., was with Joe Jones, CEO of Center for Urban Families (CFUF). It was this relationship that led to his many years of service at CFUF. To say Wayne wore many hats is an understatement. Throughout the years, he dedicated himself to working with fathers, couples, and families in various capacities, including workforce development, street outreach, intake services, and any other role where his help was needed. He touched the hearts of colleagues, board members, funders, community members, and countless others with his compassion and unwavering commitment. He lived a life of service, a role he cherished even after retirement. Though Wayne was excellent in all of these roles, no assignment touched him more than being an Re-Entry Specialist. His truest passion was helping members transition back into viable roles in society, teaching them that they deserved a chance to succeed.
Wayne is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Paula Cooper, and his loving sons, DeShawn Wayne Cooper and Ami McCoy. Coop also leaves behind sons he embraced as his own: Tyvrain Young, Will Davis (Kendra),Shirome Owens. His memory will be cherished by his surrogate daughter, Bobbi Collick (Marc), and his goddaughters, LaTerris Brown (Hugh), Kellye Palmer and Arielle Forrest.
He will be fondly remembered by his four dear sisters: Sheena Young Turner (William), Linda Cooper Wainwright (LeRoy), Diedre Cooper, and Kim Cooper. Two granddaughters Kaijsa and Malia McCoy. He also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wayne was a beloved friend to many, including Moses Hammett, Joe Jones, Patricia Wilson, Rosie Palmer, Paula Woods, Cathy Pitchford, Eddie White, Kate Wolfson, Derek Liggins, Amber Feltner, Tyler Yutzy, Zach Alberts, and numerous others. His colleagues and associates at the Center for Urban Families (CFUF) will also remember him with great respect and admiration.
Wayne will always be remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and community. Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, the legacy he leaves behind and the profound impact he made on those around him will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. May he rest in eternal peace.