Autumn Lavenia Park

Autumn was a genuine soul. Kind, Caring, selfless and grounded by faith. Born June 13, 1962, to Robert “Bob” Claytor & Betty Harper (Claytor, later Dixon), in Indianapolis Indiana where Bob was stationed.

Her Sister Renata was born shortly after in May 1963 in McKeesport Pa.

After her parents’ divorce in 1967 the children and their mother moved to South Central Los Angeles where they resided until 1972 before returning to McKeesport where they remained.

In 1980 Autumn graduated from McKeesport Area High School. Her heart filled with ambition and promise of new beginnings, she said goodbyes and enlisted in the Army.

While stationed in Germany, she met Kurt Park. Their courtship resulted in marriage and in 1982 their daughter Shayla was born. Shortly after the birth the couple moved to Kurt’s hometown of Adamsville, Tennessee.

Although the couple‘s intentions were genuine. The difficulties of interracial marriage proved too difficult and in 1987 Autumn, once again, returned home to McKeesport.

In 1988 she met Benjamin Cooper by way of her cousin Shawnda Wright. Benjamin, a long-haul truck driver, and an Air Force vet himself, shared Autumn’s love for travel, fishing, and strong family values. As a result, the two became inseparable.

Benjamin loved Autumn and Shayla and eagerly accepted the role of father. In 1990 “little Benjamin” was born, and in 1999 Trey followed.

In 2003 they separated but remained close friends while co-parenting their children. Although they had differences, their mutual love and dedication to one another was evident. When she became ill, Benjamin and his mother (Joanne Cooper) cared for and watched over her alongside her children/ grandchildren, Autumn‘s parents (Bob/Etta), her siblings, her cousin Lavelle, and her uncle Vasco until she took her last breath.

Autumn loved the lord. She lived a clean and wholesome life. To know her was a blessing. Her goodness shined through her very being. She loved her siblings Renata, April, and Tavio- and even though they were far apart- she considered them her best friends.

She was selfless and would give her last to help. Her kindness and dedication were displayed through her acts of service. She cared for 3 generations of Matriarchs in their last days Grandma Murphy, Grandma Jeanette, and lastly her mother, Grandma Betty.

Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She would fondly remind them “you all come from me- protect and love each other because you are all my babies” She prayed over them incessantly, and whenever they would leave, she’d send them off with prayers of love, “Go with God and Travel in his Mercy.”

Autumn departed this world March 14,2026. She is preceded in death by her mother Betty Dixon, Grandparents Alice “Jeanette Harper/Perry Harper (Maternal), Grandparents Evelee Claytor/Hilton Claytor (Paternal).

She is survived by her Father Robert Hilton Claytor/Bonus Mother Etta Claytor. Siblings Renata Claytor, April Claytor, and Tavio Rouse.

Her Children: Shayla Berry-Dixon/Andre Berry-Dixon (spouse)- 12 (combined)children (grandchildren) and 3 grandchildren(great-grandchildren)

Benjamin Christopher Cooper/Heavan Cooper(spouse) their 2 children

Trey Cooper - his daughter “nanas Treasure”

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles

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