We regret to announce the passing of Anna Kandakai Cooper of Monrovia, Liberia which occured on May 4th, 2023. She was 70 years old. Anna was born April 24, 1953 in Monrovia, Liberia, daughter of the late Christopher Kei Kandakai 1st and the late Sadie Bennetta Coleman Kandakai. Anna was married to Randolph C.J. Cooper and through their union three children were born – Randolph R.L. Cooper, Sonia T. Cooper Pinkney (husband Steven), Kei C.J. Cooper (wife Kiahhn), Grandmother of Layonnie, Dallas, Kelsey, Kayla, Sori, Jahzara, Cai, Kymani, and Cooper, Aunt to a host of nieces and nephews, her eldest siblings include Victoria Renner, Louise Kendakai, Cornelia Obeng, Grace Kendakai, and the late Christopher Kendakai II. She will be missed by her church family, BCS Worldwide, where she was a faithful member for over 30 years.
Anna was educated at Bromley Mission boarding school. Anna came to the United States at the young age of 16 and attended Western college preparatory high school (now Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts) in Washington, DC. She continued her education at Montgomery College in Takoma Park, MD.
Upon her return to Liberia in 1974 she began her career at the Ministry of Agriculture as Deputy Personnel Director. She was subsequently recruited to Monrovia City Corporation where she served as Personnel Director, Deputy Mayor, then Acting Mayor of Monrovia. While serving as Deputy Mayor she also started a private business as a restaurateur. Her restaurant was located in Pan African Plaza, one of the most luxurious office buildings in Liberia. It is now home to the United Nations office of Liberia. Upon her return to the United States in 1983, Anna began a successful career as a retail cosmetologist. She was invited to meet Cher after routinely achieving top sales of Cher’s beauty and fragrance line. After almost 20 years in cosmetology, Anna’s personable, caring nature led her to a new venture as a healthcare professional.
Anna’s life was one of love, courage and service to mankind. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
There will be a private viewing and service Friday, May 12, 2023.
Please contact the family to send flowers or express your condolences.
Contact:
Randolph R.L. Cooper +231 777485077
Sonia T. Cooper-Pinkney +1 610 368-7176
Kei C.J. Cooper +1 443 889-9471
