Ruth Bell Pettus Cooke, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away on July 13, 2024. Born on July 31, 1933, to the late Alice Gray Pettus and Rhuben Pettus, Ruth lived a life filled with love, service, faith, prayer, and joy.
Ruth was predeceased by her devoted husband of 66 years, William Henry Cooke Sr., her son, William Cooke Jr., her brothers, Rhuben Pettus and Charles Pettus, her grandson Shawn Brooks, and her great-granddaughter Alejah Johnson.
On any given morning, Ruth could be heard in her room praying and praising the Lord. Her songs of worship could be heard throughout the house. She truly loved praising the Lord. A long-time member of New Hope Church of God In Christ, Ruth served faithfully while in good health. When she could, she relished taking the trip to Memphis for Holy Convocation. That was a yearly highlight of hers. Her commitment to her faith and her church was unwavering, and she will be remembered for her dedication and spirit.
Ruth had a passion for fashion and could frequently be found exploring shopping malls, always on the lookout for another fashionable hat to wear to church on Sunday. She also loved traveling with her family and friends, creating memories that will be cherished forever.
Ruth leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Cynthia Carr Daniel (Rueben), Shelia Brooks (DeRayford), and Vanessa Johnson (Earl); her sisters, Mary Louise Penn and Ruby Milteer (William); her grandchildren, Velina Winder (Keith), Carlos Woodhouse, Dwana White (Sterling), Antwan Creecy, Rashaida Hardy (Bobby), Charles Carr Jr., Rashed Johnson Sr. (Mary), Markeese Johnson (Erica), Kalishia Carr, Iwan Johnson, Precious Johnson; thirty-seven great-grandchildren, and a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Ruth’s legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Condolences(7)-
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Rashaida Hardy says
July 16, 2024 at 9:41 pmComfort can be just a prayer away keeping faith will always give you peace. Life brings us many hard challenges, but it’s the happy memories that help to pull us through..thinking of you Grandma with love and support and sympathy we love you but God loved you more…. Love always ❤️❤️❤️Your granddaughter Rashaida Hardy
Vanessa Francine Johnson says
July 19, 2024 at 1:20 amTrying to navigate through this by remembering the lessons you taught and by looking to God from which my help cometh from,I been moving every since you left me and the reality hasnt settled yet,I miss u girl and this is gonna require God Stength,I love you mom💔💔
Ridder Willuams says
July 23, 2024 at 11:45 amI didn’t know her very long but I enjoyed the time around her and friendship she displayed to me. To the Family, “in the memories you cherish you will find peace, ” Her spirit will be with you forever.”
Vanessa Francine Johnson says
July 19, 2024 at 1:17 amTrying to navigate through this by remembering the lessons you taught and by looking to God from which my help cometh from,I been moving every since you left me and the reality hasnt settled yet,I miss u girl and this is gonna require God Stength,I love you mom💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
Vanessa Francine Johnson says
July 19, 2024 at 1:19 amTrying to navigate through this by remembering the lessons you taught and by looking to God from which my help cometh from,I been moving every since you left me and the reality hasnt settled yet,I miss u girl and this is gonna require God Stength,I love you mom💔💔
JANICE JACKSON-DAVIS says
July 19, 2024 at 10:49 amTo the family of Mrs. Ruth B. Cooke
Condolences from FBCG Mass Choir. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Rashaida Hardy, we are here for you and your entire family. Your grandmother fought a good fight and now she can rest in the arms of her Father who will shield and comfort her from all hurt and pain…
Alfreda Bell says
July 23, 2024 at 7:06 amWith my deepest sympathy I send my condolences to the family of Ruth Belle Cooke. My heart goes out to you in your time of mourning and sorrow. I knew her to be the grandmother, mother, sister and friend to so many. She has always made me feel like part of the family and welcomed me and my daughter with open arms. Thank you for being such a gracious example of what a woman of god looked like., what a good wife is, a patient kind and loving mother and grandmother. You will be missed.