Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Joan Cook
Sep 22nd, 1934 - Aug 30th, 2023Helen “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