Fannie Mae (Cooper) Levine

Fannie Mae Levine, born July 4, 1934 in Swifttown Mississippi, one of three daughters to Pleasant and Lucille Cooper. 
Fannie, her mother and sisters; Carrie Etta and Ernestine arrived in Michigan in the late forties.  Thereafter, joining Gospel Temple Baptist Church under leadership of Rev. Leonard Gant.  
In later years Fannie's church home of fellowship became Brown-Hutchinson, under the guidance of Rev. Nathaniel Moody.
 Fannie, affectionately known to most as "Tee".

Fannie graduated from Central High School in 1952. 
After completing High School
Fannie held various positions before laying tracks as a trailblazer for others.  
In 1957, Fannie was hired as the first Black American at Meijer.  Fannie started as cashier at Michigan Street Northeast and Fuller Avenue she later worked at various stores continuing employment with Meijer's for seven years.  Fred Meijer, himself often acknowledged Fannie over the years about her employment and how proud he was have chose her to be the Frist Black American cashier to represent his company. As quoted from M. Live "All the cashiers around her were white, but the staff and the Meijer family always made her feel welcome" Fannie did not left the job when she became engaged and was married Kenneth Hayes. Fannie recalled how she would occasionally run into Fred Meijer,  "he always knew who I was" she would comment with a bright smile and pride.
Fannie began her lasting and outstanding career in the field of Cosmetology in 1960.
Fannie positions span from the first black woman to attend Le Parent Beauty School in 1960 to becoming the first student of color at Helene Curtis Industries, Inc.
Fannie has been awarded licenses from the state of Illinois and Michigan. Fannie strived in the Industry of cosmetology.  Becoming  an instructor of both Cosmetology Theory  and Clinic Practices at; Jordan College, Chic University and Kent Skill Center. Fannie held positions on  the National Board of Cosmetology for the state of Michigan and Illinois.
In addition to Fannie was the owner of many Hair Salons in both Muskegon and Grand Rapids the last of which she opened in 1980 under the name of her great-niece Atonia's Boutique.
Fannie and  Rainey Levine established and sustained many businesses in the Muskegon area; Levine's Fish Fry, Levine's Beauty Salon the Ebony Club.
Fannie was one to establish friendships and never have them end her friendships became family! 
As a younger lady was a world-wide traveler and bowler extraordinaire,  a contender in all International hair shows and devoted advent church go-er, serving in many capacities.  
Although, Fannie never give birth, she was mother of a few and the greatest Auntie to for many.  
REST IN Peace .... William (Jr), Frank and Bonnie
 

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