‘Her legacy will live on.’ Owner of Columbus bakery dies unexpectedly
The owner of a beloved local cupcake shop has died.
Jennifer Cooper, owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes, 2511-B Airport Thruway, has died. Her husband, Patrick Cooper, announced her death with a Facebook post on Nov. 21. Cooper died in a tragic accident, her husband said in the post.
“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,” Cooper wrote in the post. “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.”
Patrick Cooper 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. Donations can be made online at www.storytellerslive.org/jennifercooper.
“Her servant heart and gentle spirit blessed everyone she met,” the donation post read. “We don’t understand, but we do know that God is in this story.”
Cooper opened the Columbus location of Gigi’s Cupcakes in 2012.
Patrick Cooper did not respond to the Ledger-Enquirer’s request for comment before publication.
Over 200 customers have commented on the announcement post, expressing their condolences and reflecting on Jennifer’s legacy.
One user, Brenda Fowler Lisle, talked about the welcoming environment in Gigi’s Cupcakes: “I am so sorry for your loss. Walking into Gigi’s here in Columbus gives such a warm welcoming feeling. This is something she created I am sure. The employees are a reflection of who she was. May our sweet Jesus comfort all of you and surround you with his peace that surpasses all understanding. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
Another user, Jenny Ann, reflected on Cooper’s kindness: “I am so sorry for your loss. Jennifer was always so wonderful with the schools I volunteer at. She would gladly donate items for the staff. Her heart and kindness were truly unmatched.”
Jennifer Cooper’s funeral arrangements in Opelika
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. on Nov. 25 at First Baptist Church Opelika, with a celebration of life at 2 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn, AL. Gigi’s Cupcakes will be closed on November 25 to allow staff to attend the service, according to the Facebook post.