Clifford Cooks

Clifford P. Cooks was born on January 1, 1951, in Vallejo, California, to Grady Cooks and Dorothy Pauline Greenwood Cooks. He was one of seven children in the family and grew up in Vallejo. He left Vallejo to enter college and eventually settled in Fairfax, Virginia. He was the beloved husband of Davita Vance-Cooks for 44 years. He peacefully passed away on May 2, 2024, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife Davita, his children Chandra Cooks and Christopher Cooks, daughter-in-law Natalia Campos Cooks, and Chandra’s partner David Donaldson. He was a devoted grandfather to Selena Cooks and Cecilia Cooks.

Clifford graduated from Langston University with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Mathematics. He attended Langston University on a track scholarship. He loved track and excelled in the sport. He served as captain of the track team, was voted MVP in his junior and senior years, and broke several track records in the hurdles. He earned an MBA from Central Michigan University. He retired from the DC government after 32 years of service, primarily in the Occupational Professional and Licensing Administration (OPLA), where he served as the executive director responsible for licensing 36 occupations in DC. Prior to that, he spent 10 years at the Equitable Life Assurance Society and served as an Administrative Service Manager for several field agencies.

Clifford dedicated over 40 years of his life to coaching basketball and track, leaving an indelible mark on countless young athletes. He served as an Assistant Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach and Assistant Track Coach for Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He was also a dedicated member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated for over 50 years, where he tirelessly served others through various roles in the Alexandria-Fairfax Alumni Chapter and the Eastern Regional Province. He served as the Chapter Exchequer for approximately 10 years and as Budget Chair for over 20 years. He tirelessly supported several key community programs including the Investment Committee, New Year’s Eve Ball, Carpenter Shelter Christmas Gift Program, Kamp Kappa, and Know Your History Program. Clifford received numerous awards throughout his lifetime for his exceptional service, including the Polemarch’s Award, Chapter Certificates of Achievement, and recognition from the Northern Virginia Chapter National Pan-Hellenic Council.

He is survived by his siblings Jackie Highbaugh, Jeanette Cooks, and Dwayne Cooks, all from Vallejo, California. Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Greg Cooks, Albert Cooks, and sister Janice Cooks.

Above all, Clifford cherished his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and brother. For over 40 consecutive Thanksgivings and Christmases, and more than 20 July Fourth celebrations, he and his family shared cherished moments together, upholding traditions with unwavering dedication. These holidays weren’t just dates on a calendar; they were pillars of togetherness, where laughter echoed through the halls, the aroma of home-cooked meals filled the air, and stories of yesteryears intertwined with the present. Clifford took immense pride in ensuring these occasions were not merely gatherings but opportunities to strengthen bonds, create lasting memories, and instill in his loved ones the importance of family unity and tradition. Clifford’s presence infused each celebration with warmth and love, leaving an imprint on the hearts of all who gathered. These gatherings became more than just seasonal events; they became the foundation upon which his family’s legacy of love and togetherness was built. His laugh, smiles, and gentle teasing will be forever remembered.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fraternity brothers, and all who were touched by his guidance and kindness.