Bonita Cooper

A loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, friend, and the ultimate Prince fan, Bonita Maria Cooper, was born on May 18, 1965, in Newark, NJ to Alvin and Gladys Cooper. Her arrival into this world joined her with sister Kim Cherisse to complete a family that would thrive and endure until her unfortunate passing on March 13, 2026.

In the summer of 1968, Bonita and family moved to Franklin Township in Somerset NJ. This is where she began cultivating her various talents and interests. Ever adventurous and full of energy, Bonita could always be seen running around, climbing, tumbling in the yard, and even inside the house where no piece of furniture was off limits!

Along with this seemingly unlimited energy was an enthusiastic thirst for knowledge and understanding. All of this sustained her throughout her scholastic journey through the Franklin Township Public School System. This would include Bonita’s participation in various “gifted and talented” programs, culminating with her graduation from Franklin Township High School Class of 1983 in the top 1% of her class.

Bonita’s academic achievements were complimented by what became her first love…gymnastics. At the tender age of 8 she leveraged all of the aforementioned energy of running around and tumbling into pursuing athletic excellence. Bonita began competing locally throughout grade school, always getting high scores in every category. As she progressed to junior high leading up to high school, Bonita began training at the Flip Over Academy in East Brunswick, NJ.

Bonita became one of the best high school gymnasts in the state of New Jersey.

After high school due to her scholastic and athletic achievements, Bonita went to Trenton State College (now known as The College of New Jersey) on a scholarship. It was here where she continued to excel in gymnastics making it to Regional competitions.

While at TSC, one of Bonita’s most unforgettable performances was a floor routine that she did to the Prince classic from the Purple Rain soundtrack: “Computer Blue”…absolute perfection!

Not to be limited to books and gymnastics, Bonita also forged lifelong friendships while at TSC which were instrumental for what came next.

On November 26, 1985, during a normal practice session at TSC, Bonita’s life changed dramatically while practicing a vault. Unfortunately, she was injured during the vault resulting in injuries leaving her permanently paralyzed.

At this point, for what would be for most people a totally tragic and perpetually depressing short-changed future. Bonita turned this into a challenge to be dealt with, not an obstacle.

After many months spent recuperating at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (Philadelphia PA), Bonita started meeting these challenges head on along with unwavering faith and family support. She began striving for as much independence as possible, with a positive attitude that would remain with her until the end of her life. Bonita even re-enrolled in college (Rutgers University) for a brief time…ultimate determination!

In the mid 90’s following in the footsteps of her sister Kim, Bonita embraced a new interest…doll collecting, primarily Barbie! They both continued to bond through this by going out shopping, attending conventions and toy shows all throughout the Tri-State area and beyond.

In late March 2001, Bonita and parents relocated to Lake Mary, FL where she would live out the rest of her days. The three of them would carve out a comfortable life together, travelling when possible, enjoying visits from friends and family from all over. Eventually sister Kim and her husband Jeffrey would join them in Central Florida settling in nearby Sanford.

Bonita’s health eventually took a turn for the worse in late February 2026. Medical complications necessitated her to be hospitalized, where she ultimately succumbed to the illness and her life’s journey on Earth ended on the afternoon of March 13, 2026.

We know that Bonita is truly thankful for the help and support of the numerous care givers and loyal friends who supplemented the steadfast efforts of her mom, dad, and sister over this 40-year journey.

Bonita is survived by her parents Alvin and Gladys Cooper of Lake Mary, FL; Sister and brother-in-law Kim and Jeffrey Hammond of Sanford, FL; niece Nia Hammond of Philadelphia, PA; and nephew Dane Hammond of Hoffman Estates, IL.; along with numerous family members and friends throughout the country.

Bonita’s kindness, humor, and generosity touched the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to get to know her. Her perseverance, dignity, and unconditional capacity for love and understanding was an example that we should all strive to live up to.

Bonita - Rest in Peace.