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Candra LaTrice Cooper
1988 - 2025
Ms. Cooper of Lakeland transitioned Friday, January 31, 2025. A visitation will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with the Celebration of Life to follow. All services will be held at Donald Bronson Community Center, - 124 Bronson Trail, Polk City, Florida. In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the National Kidney Foundation - 4304 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida 33611.

An Extraordinary Woman
Candra LaTrice Cooper of Auburndale, FL gained her wings on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the age of 36. Candra was born on April 8, 1988 in Bradenton, FL to the union of Charles L. Belford and Bonnie G. Belford.
THE KID
Candra, a Bradenton native and the baby of her family learned at an early age that “No” and “I Can’t Do It” was not in her vocabulary. You may as well say “ok, just go ahead”.
She was a strong-willed child who was not afraid to try anything and because of this, she was very
accomplished in many areas.
As a young new driver, Candra’s mom did not have the patience for her driver training, but her dad had the patience of Job; and would ALWAYS take his Bible with them in the car for protection.
Candra had a knack for cooking at a very young age; but told her dad that his apartment was too small, so she could not spread her wings in his kitchen.
During her Middle School years, Candra was involved in Little League cheering, where she proved to be a true leader, and NOT a follower.
THE LEARNER
At an early age, Candra showed interest in a variety of hobbies at the Boys and Girls Clubs and school, which included billiards, photography, arts and crafts, & home décor. While in high school she found a passion for blending Starbucks coffee, and during her tenure as a Barista, had taken steps towards becoming a “Coffee Master”, which is a designation reserved for individuals who have completed rigorous Starbucks training in discerning flavor profiles. She completely immersed herself in whatever she set out to do. During her high school years, she excelled in ballroom dancing and sign language. She attended Manatee School of the Arts, from which she graduated in 2006.
Having accepted Christ at an early age and being baptized at St. Paul M. B. Church in Bradenton, FL, Candra served as the first female President of the Mt. Pilgrim District Association’s Youth Ministry and as a Vice-President of the Progressive M&E Baptist State Convention’s Youth Ministry. She was also a dedicated member of the State Youth Choir and traveled to numerous National Youth Conventions. Candra was also a member of the Pearlettes, Amicettes and Archonett Youth Auxiliaries of the Gamma Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
As a youth, Candra was involved in the Explorer’s Program with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, rising to the rank of Lieutenant, later discovering that her true passion was better suited in the Medical arena.
In 2009, she graduated from Florida College of Natural Health with a degree in Advance Massage
Therapy and certification in Neuromuscular and Sports massage. As a child, her Pastor, Rev. Louis Carr, shared with her that her hands were anointed and that her chosen profession should include the use of her hands.
In 2018, after many years of training in the medical field and working full time, Candra received her Medical Assisting Diploma from Meridian College.
In 2023, Candra obtained her Licensed Practical Nurse License (LPN) from Rasmussen University. She was a leading team member at Bond Clinic in Winter Haven, FL as one of their Dialysis Coordinators. Being a Dialysis patient herself, Candra understood the challenges of the Dialysis journey and was able to bridge the gap between each patient and their Dialysis journey; but, on January 31, 2025, God called his favorite Barista home for a “Coffee Break”
THE WIFE
Candra met the love of her life, LaDarius during their High School years, meeting through a mutual friend Adam Williams. After reconnecting and dating for several years, LaDarius popped the question and Candra said Yes!
On December 1, 2018, Candra and LaDarius were married at Mixon Farms in Bradenton, FL. To this union, in 2019 came their first fur baby, Cairo; and in 2023, the second fur baby, Bear joined the Cooper Home.
As a wife, exhibiting characteristics of a Godly woman, Candra was compassionate and devoted to her family. Candra was a woman with a very small circle of friends. If you were in that circle, you knew she was a fierce protector who would “Keep It Real”.
Her generous nature allowed her to share her time unselfishly, and her culinary expertise was shared with many family members and friends near and far. During football season, Candra and LaDarius could be found in one or two places, cuddled on the couch or at the University of Miami games screaming and cheering their team on.
Candra and LaDarius travelled extensively and created lasting memories.
Candra was preceded in death by her Maternal Grandparents:
Nina and Rudolphus “Snow” Riley, Sr.
Paternal Grandparents
Ada and George Edwards
Candra Leaves to cherish her memory:
Loving and Devoted Husband – LaDarius K. “Bud” Cooper
Father - Charles L. Belford
Mother - Bonnie G. Belford
Brothers - Cameron Belford and Canton Belford
Aunts – Joyce Riley, Cherry Smith (James)
Great Aunt – Ineze Simmons
Uncles – Anthony Riley and Rudolphus Riley Jr.
God Siblings - TreKel Trapp, Tresta Swilley, Michael Oliver, Demetrius Swilley, Jr., Chandler and Carter Osborne
God Parents - Charlie Mae and Perk Owens, Demetrius, Sr. and Ocie Swilley, Geraldine Taylor, Joyce Wilson, Sandra Live Quinn, Rev. Sanford Perkins
God Children – Layla Dawson, Brayden Dawson, Kaycie Sullivan, Jordan Sullivan, Kylie Sullivan
And a village of nieces, nephews, and cousins
Although Candra may no longer grace our lives with her warm smile and presence, her legacy of kindness, compassion, love and determination will continue to inspire us all. She Believed She Could, SO SHE DID!