She was a wife, a mother of two children, and co-owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes with her husband Patrick. After losing her life in a tragic accident earlier this week, Jennifer Cooper, is being remembered by hundreds of friends and customers on social media as being as sweet as the treats she sold at their two franchise locations.
Jennifer and her team loved creating baked goods, including cupcakes, cookies, and custom cakes with love, joy, and a pinch of family magic, as she described. School activities, family gatherings, attending Auburn athletic events and her family’s church involvement were all important parts of her life.
Jennifer lost her life on Tuesday, November 18, in an accident involving an Auburn City School bus. According to early reports, the Auburn school bus driver may have suffered a medical emergency, causing the bus to swerve into the oncoming lane, where it struck her vehicle.
In a post on social media, a friend and customer described Patrick and Jennifer as a great couple and wonderful business partners.
“They modeled such a beautiful marriage and family. They worked hard, but they always made time for what mattered most. They loved people well.
Jennifer Cooper loved others with her whole heart. She loved her family. She loved her husband. She loved her church and her church family. She poured out the love of Jesus to anyone who crossed her path. She was never shy about sharing her testimony if it meant it could help someone else see Jesus more clearly.”
Gigi’s Cupcakes are in Columbus on Airport Thruway near Chicken Salad Chic and in Opelika at Pepperrell Parkway in Opelika, Alabama. They will be closed on Tuesday, November 25, to allow employees and customers time to attend Jennifer’s Celebration of Life.
This is the sweet message from Jennifer’s husband Patrick Cooper:
To our Gigi’s Friends and Family:
On Tuesday morning a tragic accident took the life of Jennifer. She was the heart and soul of Gigi’s Cupcakes. The only peace and comfort we can find is in knowing that she’s Home now, safe in the arms of Jesus. And we know, that because He Lives we can face tomorrow. Jennifer touched many lives, and she loved using Gigi’s as a platform not just to sell cakes and cupcakes, but as an outreach to others. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on. Please continue to keep our family and Gigi’s staff in your prayers. Our team is stepping up in ways we could never imagine. The hardest times are still ahead of us, but we know God will give us the strength to make it through.
So many people have asked how they can help- Jennifer loved to share her story and be an inspiration to others that may be going through difficult times. If you feel led to do so, consider making a donation to Storytellers Live in her memory. She was so passionate about this organization, and any gifts would be deeply appreciated.
https://www.storytellerslive.org/jennifercooper
Visitation will begin at 11:00 Tuesday morning at First Baptist in Opelika, with a celebration of Jennifer’s life at 2:00. A graveside service will follow at Town Creek Cemetery.
One of Jennifer’s recent posts on Facebook summed up her beliefs.
“You never know how a small act of generosity and kindness can impact others! I have a saying I share with my staff, a cupcake, cookie or cake to us, is a LIFE moment to someone else! Thankful for the opportunity each and every day to share joy!”
That she did for organizations across the Chattahoochee Valley. The joy she spread will be remembered by the many lives Jennifer Cooper touched.
