Yusuf “Cookie” Qawee
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Yusuf “Cookie” Qawee passed away peacefully at home.
He was a bright, loving boy that would mess with you just to have fun. He loved to play video games, play in the water with his sisters. He loved his Spartans, and dreamed of becoming a mechanic. He loved family get-togethers, and being with his family. Cookie was a light that touched anyone he met.
He is predeceased by his grandparents, Don and Debbie Basinger. He is survived by his parents, Yusuf and Marie Qawee, sisters Neviah and baby Ares (Wayne) Qawee, Savannah and Aaliyah Qawee, and several aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.
There will be a visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. The visitation will be immediately followed by a 12:00p.m. graveside service, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W. Grand River Ave, Lansing MI 48906. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
6 Messages to “Yusuf “Cookie” Qawee”
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Corion
June 18, 2025 at 4:04 pmI send my love to you all I’m so sorry to hear about his passing. He had a bright future.
Arnold Allen
June 20, 2025 at 12:24 amStay Gold, Cookie
Cookie was an impish young man—always ready to poke a little fun, just like his grandfather. A gentle giant, he was full of love, kindness, laughter, and life. His personality could fill a room, and he never failed to offer a warm hug when it was needed most.
When I think of Cookie, I’m reminded of Robert Frost’s poem, “Nothing Gold Can Stay.”
Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
The poem speaks to the fleeting nature of the most beautiful things in life. “Nature’s first green is gold”—that initial, vibrant burst of life—is precious but impossible to hold on to. Just like Cookie, who shone so brightly, like a new penny. Pure, beautiful, and unforgettable.
“Her early leaf’s a flower—but only so an hour.” The time we had with Cookie was far too short, like the brief bloom of a spring flower. “So dawn goes down to day”—his journey here has ended. And yet, in that short time, he gave us a lifetime of golden moments.
Frost reminds us that “nothing gold can stay,” but that doesn’t mean we mourn without gratitude. It means we hold tight to the beauty we were given. The laughter. The hugs. The love.
We will carry Cookie’s memory in our hearts. His impish grin, his kindness, his joy—they live on in the stories we share, the smiles we remember, and the love we continue to feel.
As we say goodbye, let us find comfort in that love, and the peace that now surrounds him. Cookie, you were golden—through and through.
Stay gold, Cookie. Rest in peace.
Love,
Uncle Arnie
Jacqueline Mims
June 19, 2025 at 9:11 amMy deepest condolences to all the family. I will continue to keep you in my prayers, rest peacefully “Cookie”
Michelle Ciloski
June 19, 2025 at 5:07 pmSending comforting thoughts to the Qawee family. Rest in heaven, Cookie.
Lisa Mitchell
June 19, 2025 at 7:48 pmMy sweet nephew, my heart hurts, knowing that you’re gone and not here with us, but at the same time at ease because I know you’re no longer in pain. You are such a sweet and caring young man, and you loved your family to the fullest fly high cookie cause you will be greatly missed and always loved
Forever 18
Rosalind Burt
June 25, 2025 at 12:04 amTo the Family of Yusuf “Cookie” Qawee,
May God wrap you in His love and bring you comfort during this difficult time. While I did not personally know Yusuf, his presence at our school events was always felt, and it was evident how much he cherished and supported his family. His commitment to showing up for his loved ones spoke volumes about his character.
I pray that the wonderful memories you hold in your hearts will continue to bring you peace and strength. May the Lord bless you with comfort, and may Yusuf’s spirit live on in the lives of those he loved so dearly.
With heartfelt sympathy and prayers,
Principal Burt
Principal, Holly Park Academy