Calvin Cooksey Memorial Program

in loving memory of CALVIN RICHARD COOKSEY SUNRISE October 21, 1935 SUNSET January 1, 2020

Calvin Richard Cooksey was born on Monday, October 21, 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri and passed away in his beloved hometown on January 1, 2020.

He was a loving son, brother, father and grandfather to his seven children, nineteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Calvin lived in St. Louis his entire life and worked for General Motors for 35 years, from 1958 to 1993. He was a lover of sports and admired the forward progression of young African Americans making a difference in the country.

In 84 years of living, he has witnessed more than most and from these experiences his single piece of advice to younger generations was simple, yet profound, “keep your eyes on the prize.”

At his core, Calvin was a fighter, beating the odds time and time again. Though death is inevitable, his loved ones are nonetheless deeply saddened by his home going, but will continue to uphold his legacy and beat the odds.

Calvin was born to Percy Cooksey, Sr and Devolia Jackson Cooksey but like us all, his story began before he was born.

His parents, Percy and Devolia met in St. Louis. Devolia was born the sixth of twelve children to Richard Jackson and Zephyr Gaines Jackson. Percy was the only child of Theodore Cooksey and Ethel Richardson Cooksey who were both from Lake Charles Parish, Louisiana.

Calvin’s childhood consisted of going outside everyday but only after chores were finished and, at times, a book read.

When his father suspected that he and his siblings weren’t reading their books, book reports were then required.

Calvin’s father worked for some time as a traveling chauffeur which afforded the family the opportunity to try foods like rhubarb, cauliflower, and tropical fruits such as coconuts. This was likely no comparison to the joy of having his mother work at and become a supervisor at Velvet Freeze which he and his siblings frequented as older children.

Growing up, Calvin admired his oldest brother Percy, protected and loved his only sister Loretta, and took his role as a big brother to Adolph and Theodore “Teddy” seriously. So much so that his sister Loretta remembers their mother saying, “Calvin, these are not your children.”

Stories from John Marshall Elementary and Sumner High School were never far from his memory. Calvin took great pride in attending the first black high school west of the Mississippi River and being a part of the class of 1953.

Calvin met Joyce Hancock while attending Sumner High School. They married and born of this union were Tyra, Donna “Dee Dee” , Krystal “Petey”, Brian, and Kelvin “Drew”.

Calvin and Dorothy Jones worked together at General Motors and met through a mutual friend. After they married Calvin became a father to Dorothy’s daughter Linda. Later, Diane was born.

In 1993, Calvin retired from General Motors after 35 years of service. After retirement, Calvin was able to travel, volunteer with and support several organizations, and spend quality time with family and friends. Calvin, along with his sister Loretta, traveled extensively with a group of seniors.

He was an active part of Crusaders for Jazz, was a founding member of the Gaines Jackson Family Reunion Committee, volunteered at Annie Malone Children’s Home and Community Women Against Hardship, was a supporter of and season ticket holder of the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, worked part time at Afrocentric Expressions, an African American bookstore in St. Louis where he was always excited to meet new authors, and spent as much time as he could with his family. He began his extensive collections of jazz music and books of African American interest.

“ It’s all Kool & The Gang!”

“Death is the great equalizer of all men, the Lord giveth life & he also takes it away, blesssed be the name of the Lord”

Calvin had a strong belief in God….even until the end. He was baptized at St. Luke Memorial Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Jimmy L. Brown and was an active member for several years. He enjoyed Sunday School and was a trustee.

He transferred his membership to Centennial Christian Church where he taught Sunday School to grade school children. Calvin respected all religions and was proud of the faiths of all of his children.

~Calvin’s Branches of Love ~

Preceding Calvin in death, were his parents Percy Sr. and Devolia Cooksey, and his brothers Adolph and Theodore.

Calvin leaves behind, to honor his memory, his brothers Percy Jr. and Vaughn and sister Loretta...his seven children Tyra, Donna “DeeDee”, Krystal “Petey”, Brian, Kelvin “Drew”, Linda and Diane...his nineteen grandchildren, Janee’, Sharaf, Angela, Orlando “Dito”, Dominic, Jaquon, Elizabeth, Jamaal, Drew Kristopher, Briana, Grey, LaKeesha, Kennetha “Ja’Net”, Jalisa, Marcus, Kamara, Jamal, Kara, and Korinne...his fifteen great grandchildren, Joselyn, Kevin, Simone, Justin, Jayden, Xavier, Dominic Jr., Kennedy, Amir, Aaron, Aniyah, Joaquin, Vivienne, Zaiden, Miles...and great great grandson Elijah. Calvin also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

“You have to know where you come from to know where you’re going”