Doris Inez Thomas Cook, age 93, of Amory, MS living in Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away on October 2, 2023, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on July 5, 1930, in Arcola, Mississippi, to the late August Fischer Thomas and the late Evelyn Louise McDuffie Thomas.
Doris is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Claxton Cook; two sisters, Maurine Neel and Carolyn Mattox. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Cook Burchfield of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and her daughter, Linda Cook Simmons of Tupelo, Mississippi, Grandson, Anthony “Tony” Karl Cook Simmons (Audrey) of Wichita Falls,Texas, her great-grandchildren, Ashton Thomas Simmons and Aniston Claire Simmons,Wichita Falls,Texas.
Doris moved to Greenville, Mississippi, at the tender age of two months old. She completed high school in 1948 at EE Bass High School in Greenville. Life presented its challenges early on as her father passed away when she was very young. Doris was a hard working woman learning to pick cotton in the Mississippi Delta. She worked for a 10-cent store, Broadway Laundry and Southern Bell Telephone Company. She was the middle daughter of three.
Doris was a dedicated member of the Union Grove Church of God of Prophecy. She married Talmage Claxton Cook October 17, 1948. After accepting the call into the ministry, they served together in eleven pastorates with the Church of God of Prophecy in Mississippi. She was committed to being a pastor’s wife by cooking/feeding a host of ministers in her home, taxi cab driver, wedding coordinator, baby sitter – just another day in the life of Doris Cook! She was an avid house keeper, running the vacuum and dusting every day. She loved tall trees, soldiers in uniform, her fur babies, puzzles, word searches and reading poems.
Later, after her girls were grown, she served as the State Treasurer for the Church of God and Prophecy under two state overseers. She held the position of Chief Cook/Dietitian at Kamp Kumbaya, Youth Camp for The Church of God of Prophecy for over 15 years.
Doris loved to travel, embarking on a mission trip to Guatemala to serve the Lord. One of her most treasured trips was taking her one and only grandson to Disney. Other memorable moments was attending the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in Washington, D.C., visiting Pearl Harbor in beautiful Hawaii, touring Hoover Dam, Niagara Falls, Mexico and other locations. Her favorite trip was to the church General Assembly every year.
A Celebration of life will be held at Union Grove Church of God of Prophecy, Mooreville, MS on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Visitation at 3 pm, Service at 4 pm with Rev. Ryan Napalo, Rev. Billy West and Rev. Rob Abel officiating. She will be laid to rest at Union Grove Church of God of Prophecy Cemetery.
Doris Cook’s memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, and service to her community and her church. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Memorials may be made to:
KAMP KUMBAYA Magnolia Region Church of God of Prophecy
P.O. Box 721190; Byram, MS 39272
