Nicolaus Ray Cooper, born on November 21, 1998, in Hazel Crest, Illinois, was the beloved son of Raymond Lee Cooper Jr. and Nicole Charisse D’Vignon. He was raised in Homewood, Illinois, where he attended Willow Elementary School, Parker Junior High School, and Homewood Flossmoor High School.
An avid sports enthusiast, Nicolaus played for the Tri-City Small Fry Basketball league, leading his team to a remarkable season that culminated in a trip to Florida, where they ranked 12th out of 40 teams. He also played football for the Richton Park Raiders and the Homewood Flossmoor Junior Vikings. Beyond these, his athletic pursuits included soccer, baseball, swimming, skating, and martial arts.
Nicolaus was known for his exceptional handsomeness, radiant smile, and pure heart. His multifaceted, free-spirited yet introverted nature made him unique, complex, and unpredictable. He lived each day to the fullest, embracing life without inhibitions and savoring every moment.
As a big brother to Kaitlyn, whom he considered his first love, Nicolaus was protective and nurturing, treating her like a delicate princess and building her confidence. He cherished fatherhood, showering his children—Ray’lani, Nyla, and Aiden—with love and affection. Even when apart, he ensured they were well cared for, often entrusting their care to his mother until he could provide for them himself. The past Christmas was particularly special, as he spent time with two of his three children for the first time. Departing from them, especially his eldest daughter Ray’lani, was always heart-wrenching for him.
Nicolaus had a passion for travel, favoring trains for their scenic routes, and often journeyed with friends and family. A talented musician, he co-founded "Cooper Records LLC" with his father to create, produce, and promote rap music. He spent countless hours in studios crafting beats, freestyling, and remixing songs like "Crank It," "Spin-Cycle," and "Free Glocks," which he shared on platforms like YouTube and social media. His distinctive voice and artistic style reflected his fearless mindset and ability to articulate real-life struggles.
On March 31, 2023, Nicolaus was called home, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He is survived by his loving parents, Raymond and Nicole; his sisters, Kaitlyn, Rashida, Tyanna, Raesha, Raeshanda, Mariah, Tyshae, Rechelle, Rayneicia, Talisa, Tariya, and Marshanda; his brothers, Andre, Jelani, Raymond III, Na’Quan, Rajsaun, Tyray, Avery, Rayshaun, and Deshon; his children, Ray’lani, Nyla, and Aiden, along with their devoted mothers; his grandparents, Phillip McGill, Verna L. McGill, Lorraine Cooper-Chinn, and Preshall Hall; his godmother, Brandy Cotillier; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and friends. His light will forever shine, and his memory will live on in all our hearts.
