Beverly Ann Cook

Beverly Cook was born September 16, 1938, to Marie and T.J. Shannon in Sherman, Texas, where she was raised by her beloved grandparents, Moss, and Lila Bishop. In 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, Bill Cook, and they raised their family in Dallas, Texas. She settled happily into her role as homemaker, wife, and mother, and poured her life into her family. Living up to her name, she was a wonderful cook, and knew the favorite recipes of everyone she loved. She enjoyed sending cards and letters, and never overlooked sending out a thank you note. She served as homeroom mother for all her children’s classes, preparing special parties and celebrations for each class. She also enjoyed hosting slumber parties, birthday celebrations, and get-togethers with neighbors in her home. She accompanied Bill to every event in his professional life, and he was proud to have her on his arm. She was blessed with an abundance of creativity, and enjoyed preparing decoupage projects as gifts, as well as adding embroidery and sequins – a.k.a. “bling” - to clothing. She took time each day to choose just the right make-up, hair bow, jewelry, and purse for every outfit. In her senior years, she grew out her beautiful hair to her waist, and spent many hours creating unique hairstyles. As a lifelong Christian, she was an active member of many churches, serving with Bill as a youth sponsor and Sunday school teacher at Walnut Hill Methodist in Dallas. Most importantly, she introduced her children to the strong faith that each holds today. After their children were grown, she and Bill moved to Monroe, Louisiana, where Bill worked until his retirement. In recent years, she returned to Texas, where she received care from her daughter in Gilmer. She and Bill were married for 63 years before his death in 2021.

Beverly was also preceded in death by her mother, Marie Payne, and her grandparents, Moss, and Lila Bishop. She is survived by her four children and their spouses - Lezlie Baile and husband Mike, Lacey Southerland and husband Brad, Randy Cook, and wife Kathy, and Paul Cook and wife Cyndi. She also has 5 grandchildren – Tailor Salat and husband Peter, Carleigh Cook, Tyler Cook and wife Rachel, Kyle Cook and wife Alison, and SarahAnn Southerland. In addition, there are 6 great-grandchildren - plus one more on the way – many nieces and nephews, and a dear “cousin-in-law,” Martha Brandon, of Bastrop, LA. Beverly – also known as “SweetRoll” and “Glama” - leaves a legacy of love that will never be forgotten by those who knew her.

A memorial celebration of her life will be planned early in 2024.