Marcellous Cooper Jr., affectionately called “Ray” by his family, was born on September 24, 1948, in Washington, D.C., to the late Naomi and Marcellous Cooper Sr. After attending Arlington County schools, Marcellous graduated from Wakefield High School in 1966. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in History from North Carolina A&T State University in 1970 while simultaneously receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant officer in the United States Army.
Marcellous proudly served in the United States Army for 14 years, reaching the rank of Captain. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and received an honorable discharge in 1984. His military decorations included the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star Medal, Two Overseas Service Bars, Army Service Ribbon, and an Overseas Service Ribbon.
Following his military service, Marcellous worked at Fort Belvoir and retired from Fairfax County after 33 years of dedicated service.
Marcellous leaves to cherish his memory three sons: Daryl Cooper (Miranda), John Cooper (Erika), and Remy Green (Tiffany); his siblings: Aaron Cooper (Janice), Cordelia Cooper (Bennell Brown), Frederick Cooper Sr. (Angela), and Alfreda Cooper; his grandchildren: Madison, Madeline, Marc- Jelous Jacob, Zia Katrina, John Giovanni, Kamila Amparo, and TruettDallas; and a host of nieces and nephews: Antjuan, La- Sonya, Casey, Blair, Markese, Gregory, Lakeisha, Ronald, Frederick Jr., Asia, Allaya, and Essence. He is also survived by one aunt, Jean Cooper; two uncles: Robert Edmonds and Wilbert Harris; and a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.
Marcellous Cooper Jr. passed away on December 4, 2024. His funeral service was held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Bass Tabernacle CME Church, 22980 County Road 32, Akron, Alabama. Reverend Willie Garnett, Pastor, officiated.
