West Gadsden Funeral Home | Gadsden, AL

Obituary For Marilyn Denise Cook

The Life and Legacy of Mother Marilyn Denise Cook Mother Marilyn Denise Cook was born on September 10, 1962 to the late Mr. Billy Bothwell and Mrs. Katherine Bothwell. She was preceded in death by her father and the love of her life, the late District Elder Julius V. Cook, Sr. Their union of love produced four children who she loved more than life: LaKrishia (Michael) Williamson, Julius (Abril) Cook, Jr., Sharrissa Cook and Kendric (Katie) Cook; and her most beloved grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “The Nonnie”: Dre’Shan ShaMar Cook, Nylah Elizabeth Cook, Karys Eliana Faith Williamson and Michael Judah Vann Wails Williamson (deceased). She also leaves to cherish her loving mother Mrs. Katherine Bothwell; three sisters: Yolanda (Darren) Cook, Karen (Kenny) Burkes, Charlotte Stoudemire; seven brothers Billy (Chrestel) Looney, Anthony (Brenda) Looney, Maurice (Deanne) Bothwell, Marvin Bothwell, Arthur Dan Mostella, Timothy Cook, Stanley (Jean) Cook; special friends Mother Zerlene Verges, Mother Loretta Hill, Sister Michelle Edwards, The Golden Girls, a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends and adopted children. Marilyn was raised in Ashville, AL where she remained until she moved with her family to Attalla, AL in 2004. Marilyn is a 1982 graduate of Ashville High School. She lettered in basketball, softball, and track. Marilyn was a honor roll student athlete who took her children with her to her athletic events. Marilyn remembers, with tremendous joy, talking to the love of her life, District Elder Julius V. Cook,Sr. for the first time on the phone on August 28, 1974. Marilyn graduated from the Holy Name of Jesus School of Nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1984. She received an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Gadsden State Community College in 2008. Marilyn was employed by the State of Alabama as a nurse at St. Clair County Correctional Facility for 22 years. Marilyn was employed by Sterling Company as the Vice-President of Patient Services when she was forced to retire after surviving the horrendous car accident that took the life of her husband. Nursing was her passion and joy for 36 years. She continued to volunteer even after retirement. On September 9, 2010, Mother Cook was involved in a head on collision with an eighteen wheeler leaving her critically injured. She was found unresponsive and suffered both traumatic and anoxic brain injuries, a shattered pelvis, fractured leg and ankle, shattered hip, broken jaw, 12 broken ribs, two transverse thoracic spine fractures, two times respiratory arrest, kidney failure, heart failure, lacerated liver, nerve damage, lacerated spleen, amnesia, weeks in a coma, weeks on ECMO, weeks on dialysis, numerous surgeries, weeks in ICU, weeks in rehab, was bedbound without expectation of ever walking again, severely cognitively impaired, expected to be a total care patient for the duration of her life. OH, BUT GOD!!!! Mother Cook defied every odd! She was a living, breathing, walking, talking miracle who declared the goodness of the Lord and His mighty works at every opportunity!! Mother Cook was baptized as a young child and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in her early twenties. She was a Licensed Missionary through the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Inc. She worked tirelessly in the vineyard, alongside her husband and pastor, as a licensed Missionary, Mass Choir Director and Church Mother of Poplar Springs Church of our Lord Jesus Christ in Boaz, AL and Apostolic Refuge Church in Montgomery, AL until the time of her transition. She and Elder Julius V. Cook, Sr. established Amasa Ministries in 2012 and dedicated their lives to the service of God’s people. She served in many capacities on the local and state level including: Northern Alabama Diocesan (NAD) President of the Ministers and Deacons Wives Guild, NAD Pastor’s Wives Committee, NAD State Missionary Choir member, NAD Intermediate Sunday School Teacher, ABYPU Vice-President and the Alabama Tri-diocese level in any capacity she was needed needed. Mother Cook was a gifted teacher and alter worker.

Mother Cook was the epitome of woman of God, wife, mother, Nonnie, sister, friend and mentor. She loved her grandbabies with all her heart, taking every chance to love and pour into each one of them. She was selfless in her love and devotion to all she held dear. Mother Cook’s goal in this life was to live a life pleasing to God, to love everyone with the love of Christ and to evangelize the gospel that no man’s soul might be lost. She was mentor, friend and sister to many. She was always available for a hug and a word of encouragement. She loved the people of God and devoted her life to ministry. She has finally reached her goal and received her final reward-Eternal Life! Though she is no longer with us in body, her legacy lives on! VICTORY IS STILL HER NAME!!!!!!!

Public Viewing and visitation will be 5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, November 3,2020 at the Overcoming Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ 576 Peaceful Valley Rd Ashville, AL 35953

Celebration of life Services will be 12 Noon Wednesday, November 4,2020 at the Overcoming Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ 576 Peaceful Valley Rd Ashville, AL 35953 With burial in the Ashville City Cemetery Elder Julius V. Cook, Jr. Officiating.

Arrangments under the direction of: West Gadsden Funeral Home, INC. 256-549-0004

Guest Book

To the Cook Family, you have my deepest sympathy during your time of bereavement. May you all find comfort in God, who will never leave your side. Mrs. Cook was such a joy to be around and was so welcoming. I know that she is rejoicing in Heaven with the love of her life. The Smith Family- Anthony, LaToya, AJ and Addyson

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To every branch of the Cook Family Tree, I offer my condolences and deepest sympathy. Thank you for sharing Mother Marilyn Cook. I am honored and grateful that I had the pleasure of knowing such an awesome woman of God. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. So hold on tight and continue the Legacy! Praying for your peace, comfort, and strength. In the Precious Name Lord Jesus Christ. Much Love, Sister Deidra Cottingham

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RIP Mother Cook . Mother Cook was a true miracle, awesome woman of God!!! I will truly miss you. Praying for the family. Blessings from Anita Robinson and family.

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My condolences to the Cook family. May God be with you in your time of sorry. Melissa R WILLIAMS

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I give my Condolences and prayers to the COOK FAMILY, I THANK GOD FOR HAVING THE PLEASURE OF MEETING MRS.COOK, SHE WAS ALWAYS WARM AND FRIENDLY TO ME,I WASNT A STRANGER TO HER, SHE ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL AT HOME. HEAVEN HAS GAIN AN BEAUTIFUL ANGEL.

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family and friends of Mother Marilyn Cook,it is with deepest heartfelt sympathy,praying with you for everlasting consolation and comfort as the Lord Heal your brokenheart, her transition from earth to Glory,is with the VICTORY in Jesus, may the Lord give the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, she has been planted by Christ Jesus as a tree of righteousness, May you all have hope through Grace, knowing a Amazing phenomenal woman is in the arms of the Lord waiting on that great getting up day Hallelujah!!!For joy comes in the morning, it is with great honor to have met Mother Marilyn Cook,who Jesus was shinning through, From Deacon Henry and Evangelist Glenda Bates in Prattville Alabama

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- West Gadsden Funeral Home | Gadsden, AL