Zakee Abdul “Willie” Cooper
1983 – 2020
The CookWell family was deeply saddened by Zakee Cooper’s tragic death on March 2 to gun violence. Just last summer, in June 2019, Zakee graduated from the CookWell program with flying colors. He was much admired for his leadership, love of cooking, and disciplined life as a devout Muslim. Since graduation, Zakee had been quickly working his way up the ladder at the Cheesecake Factory, where he impressed supervisors with both his dedication and his kitchen skills. At the same time, he was pursuing a culinary arts degree at Middlesex County College and developing a knack for motivational speaking.
Zakee was the featured speaker at a January 2020 forum at Trinity Church in Princeton, where the audience responded warmly to his reflections on the higher power that gave him strength to pursue his goals. Zakee also contributed several creative ideas for advancing the CookWell mission. At the time of his death, the board was hoping to hire him as a training chef.
Zakee had two long-term goals: to own his own restaurant, and to be the best father ever to the “joy of his soul,” daughter Jannah Jones. In addition to Jannah, Zakee leaves behind his mother Evelyn Cooper, brother Chance Mincey, grandmother Lillie Mae Mincey, a host of aunts and uncles, and his beloved companion Vaquisha.
The CookWell family will sorely miss this intelligent, driven, and talented young leader. In appreciation for all that Zakee brought to the program, a scholarship fund will be established in his memory. Details will be announced soon.
