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Funeral Ceremony: 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville
Visitation: 10-11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home
Helen “Joan” Cook, age 88, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away late Wednesday night, August 30, 2023, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
She was born September 22, 1934, in Jonesboro, Tennessee, the daughter of Perry Walker and Evelyn “Dolly” (Douglas) Cox Sr. She was united in marriage to Teddy G. Cook in 1971, and together they shared 45 wedding anniversaries until his death January 16, 2015.
Joan owned the Ritz Café in Cisne and had previously worked for Swift Meat Company. She was a retired farm wife and had truly enjoyed taking care of and nursing many animals and pets over the years. She loved living on the farm, raising horses, and growing African Violets. Joan was a member of the Flora Assembly of God Church and had an abundance of faith and love for God.
She is survived by her children: Kathy Tester of Mattoon, Valerie Tester of Louisville, Belinda (Larry) Garner of Joplin, Missouri; Carrie McGill of Paxton, Doug (Joanne) Cook of Mesa, Arizona, Carol Anderson of Cisne, Cheryl Trout of Carmi, Steven Cook of Geff, and Cindy (Bill) Short of Lake Sherwood, Missouri; and too many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces to list, all of whom she loved immensely.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Teddy; 2 of her children: Elizabeth Dawn Tester and James A. Tester III; her siblings: Perry Cox, Richard Cox, Juanita Cox, Bill Cox, Maude Filmore, an infant sister: Irene; and a son-in-law: Tim McGill.
The family sends special thanks to Mary at Senior Services and Dr. Brandon Cycholl for working diligently to keep our lovely mother well and comfortable in her own home through difficult health issues.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Flora Assembly of God Church, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Joan is having the time of her life with Jesus and seeing her family and friends. She loved her Lord. Always enjoyed talking to her at church, via phone or taking her places.
Thoughts and Prayers to the Family, Joan was a sweet Lady and a Good Neighbor
Thank you for the beautiful memories!
We're so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed delivering meals to her. She was such a nice and sweet lady. She will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
What a sweet Lady. I know it's hard to say goodbye. But we will all be together again.
So sorry for your loss. Vickie Simpson is right Joan is having the time of her life! I remember when Joan gave my mom, Shirley Carpenter, a long fur coat. The coat was beautiful. Mom thought the coat was beautiful also; she said "can you imagine me walking into church with my long beautiful fur coat on" this was pretty much the only place she went. Mom was kinda short so the coat went to the floor. We had great memories over it. Unfortunately the coat was burned up when mom & dad's house burnt down. Thoughts and prayers to all family and friends.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]