New details about Columbus bakery owner’s death released. Fundraiser supports the family
The Auburn and Columbus communities are grieving following the loss of Jennifer Cooper, owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes, 2511-B Airport Thruway.
A fundraiser has been launched in her honor after her death in a fatal crash, according to the Auburn Police Department in Alabama.
Justin Smith, a certified public accountant in Opelika, set up a GoFundMe called “Support Jennifer Cooper’s Family Today” to raise money to “provide security and stability” for Cooper’s family.
“All who knew her were impacted by her boundless enthusiasm, strong faith, and generosity of spirit,” Smith wrote in the GoFundMe’s bio. “Our goal is to raise as much as possible to provide for her family. Jennifer’s faith in Jesus was strong, and we lift her family in prayer.”
As of publication, the GoFundMe has raised $11,906. The goal is to raise $14,000. Community members can still make contributions on the GoFundMe page.
Patrick Cooper, Jennifer Cooper’s husband, announced her death with a Facebook post on Nov. 21.
According to a news release from Auburn police’ Cooper died in a crash involving a school bus near the 1000 block of East University Drive in Auburn. Cooper was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured.
The investigation of the crash was ongoing Tuesday, according to the release.
Patrick Cooper also encouraged the local community to make donations in Jennifer’s honor to StoryTellers Live, a Christian ministry. Jennifer Cooper was a member of the Auburn/Opelika Community team, according to a post made on the Storytellers Live website.
This story was originally published November 25, 2025 at 1:48 PM.