Cooper Southern

With immense love and admiration, we celebrate the life and spirit of Cooper John Southern, known affectionately by his family and friends as "Taco Jesus" due to his love of eating tacos. Born on August 27, 2000, in Brigham City, Utah, Cooper brought a light into the world that shone brightly through his charismatic personality, empathetic nature, resilience, and witty humor. Even though his time on Earth ended too soon on May 1, 2024, Cooper's character and spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him. Cooper was a true Utah native, living in Brigham for 23 years. Cooper was a graduate of Dale Young Community High School. Cooper had a love for dogs, especially his yellow lab, Soda Pop. His love for his hometown and natural surroundings was evident in his passion for camping and disc golfing. Cooper made many wonderful memories with his family during vacations to the Oregon Coast and San Diego. He was also an avid video game and anime enthusiast, finding joy and solace in the vibrant stories and virtual worlds. Despite facing personal struggles with mental illness and addiction, Cooper demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuously fighting against his demons with a strength that inspired those around him. What mattered most to Cooper was his family. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Nicole and Nathan Lowry; his father and stepmother, Destin Southern and Mindy Spencer; his siblings Mckenna, Noah, and Nicolas Southern, Logan Lowry (Jillian Sanchez) and Gage Spencer; his grandparents Willie Southern, Robert and Linda Pretti, Annette Baty and Dwane Richardson. As well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cooper was preceded in death by his grandparents Thomas Baty and Carol Southern, and great-grandparents Bob and Mary Coleman, Vonda Toombs and Lucille Hansen. Cooper is happily reunited with his beloved dog, Soda Pop. Cooper's life was short but brightly lived, and his memory will continue to shine in the lives of all who knew him. We encourage anyone who knew Cooper to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. As we remember his charismatic smile, empathetic heart, resilient spirit, and witty humor, let us celebrate the beautiful life Cooper lived and the love he shared with all of us. In memory of Cooper, please advocate for increased access to quality mental health and drug treatment programs. There will be a celebration of life held at the Box Elder Eagles, 912 North Main Street, Brigham City on Saturday, May 11 at Noon.