Paxton Ronald

Cooper

Paxton Ronald Cooper, was born on April 8, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, to the union of Paxton Lee and Ida Cooper. He was called home to his Heavenly Father on January 25, 2026.

Paxton accepted Christ at an early age and remained a deeply spiritual man throughout his life. He was a devoted founding member of New Horizon United Methodist Church and later became a member of Spring Street Baptist Church.

Paxton attended college and earned an associate degree. From a very young age, he demonstrated an extraordinary gift for art. This God-given talent led him to a distinguished opportunity as a clay modeler and automotive designer for Chrysler Motors.

Throughout his life, Paxton created artwork across many mediums for businesses, churches, and community organizations. In 1973, as a member of the Black Artists Association, he participated in a historic exhibition of Black art at the Toledo Museum of Art, where one of his sculptures was featured. He was also commissioned to create a sculpture for the Bancroft Kent Center. His most notable public work, the 17-foot sculpture entitled "Save the Children," was dedicated by former Vice President Walter Mondale.

Paxton was preceded in death by his parents, Paxton Lee and Ida Cooper, and by his sisters, Hilda Nelson and Brenda Goodman.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 53 years, Brenda Cooper; his son, Paxton Cooper, Jr. (Meredith); his daughter, Amiee Cooper; his granddaughters, Mikayla Cooper and Addi Cooper; his brother, Morrel Cooper; his sisters, Aletha Cooper and Constance Cooper; his mother-in-law, Reba Myers; special friends Ahmad and Betty Hasan and Raymond Barabino; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jahangier Adil, Dr. Steven Arris, Dr. Khase Wilkinson, and the dedicated staff of the St. Charles Wound Care Center, as well as the nurses, respiratory therapists, and physicians at St. Ann Hospital, UT Medical Center, and Advanced Specialty Hospital, for their professional medical care and compassionate support.