Anthony Francescus Cooper was born to Helois Cooper and Argustia Hill Sr. on February 9, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. His family and friends lovingly referred to him as "Tony" or "Big Coop." Tony was raised by his mother Helois and bonus father, Tea Otis Thomas. He grew up and attended school in East St. Louis School District #189.

Anthony was the eldest of 4 children born to his mother Helois, as well as 5 siblings born to Argustia & Janet Hill.

Before his health declined, Tony was a self employed taxi driver and dispatcher with cab companies in St. Louis, MO, Belleville, IL, Topeka, KS, and Springfield, IL. Tony loved family, food, and laughter. He was the family's jokester. He never failed to brighten up family gatherings with his sense of humor and wit.

Although he had not settled in a church home, Tony accepted Christ and was baptized many years ago at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his bonus father, Tea Otis Thomas, his grandparents, Mr. James Eddie & Katherine Cooper, Mr. Julius and Alice Hill Sr., Lee Oscar & Flossie Thomas, and Ella Lane Collins all formerly of Arkansas.

Tony leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Helois Cooper-Thomas, whom he was extremely close to; father, Argustia (Janet) Hill Sr.; sister, Tammy Thomas; brother, Timothy Thomas (Tonya Stacker); baby sister, Chudney Cannon; brother, Argustia (Jacquelyn) Hill, Jr.; brother, Curtis (Tandelaya) Hill; brother, Sean Hill; sister, Nicole Hill; sister, Danielle Hill; a very special niece, Chloe, who he lovingly referred to as his "baby"; nieces, Angel Willis and Brittany Thomas; nephews, Adrian (Brianna) Willis and Carnell Cannon III; very special cousins, Leroy Ware, Jr., Geno Jones, Dionfrio Johnson, and Renaldrey Johnson; special uncle, George (Alice) Cooper; special aunts, Terry and Deborah Cooper; special church family, Thelma Stover and Napoleon Outlaw; very close friend and mentor, Chester Haymore.

In addition to those named, Tony leaves behind a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and great nieces and nephews from the Cooper, Thomas, and ill families. Tony's laugh, smile, and presence will be greatly missed.