Photo courtesy of Brandon's Mortuary, Inc. - Malvern
Mar 28, 1938 - Feb 9, 2026
Mrs. Joyce, i just learned of Mr. Joe's passing. I just wanted to tell you I'm so very sorry for your loss. I think i only talked to him a handful of times but he was a very nice man. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Odessa ONeal
March 01, 2026 | Malvern, AR | Coworker
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you and family hugs and prayers
Alice Montgomery
February 22, 2026 | NLR, AR | Friend
As a child, I remember always being excited to hear either, "Uncle Joe, and Aunt Joyce are coming up!, or "We are going to Malvern this weekend!" Uncle Joe's positivity, kindness, smile and humor was unmatched.
Wishing strength, peace, and comfort during this time.
Peace and Love,
Eva, Shanei, and Shun "Butch" Burks
Shun Burks
February 20, 2026 | Little Rock, AR | Family
Brother Cook was one of the kindest people i ever had the pleasure to meet. He was not only my friend, but also my brother in Christ. I will miss him dearly.
Nikita May
February 19, 2026 | Hot Springs, AR | Friend
A beautiful life you lived, and now you can rest peacefully in glory. Deep condolences to the family.
Leah Lewis
February 19, 2026 | Little Rock, AR | Daughter
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Helen Hilliard
February 17, 2026 | Wisner, LA
To Aunt Joyce and Cousin JoAnn
Wishing you peace to bring you both comfort, courage to face the days to come and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts
Rictoria Jefferson
February 16, 2026 | Little Rock, AR | Family
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow
Charlie Matlock
February 15, 2026 | Prinection Arkansas, AR | Coworker
Joyce and Joann you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort you both at this time.
John Tate
February 13, 2026 | Malvern, AR | Friend
Joe Henry Cook, Sr., 87, of Malvern, Arkansas, peacefully completed his earthly journey on Monday, February 9, 2026, in the comfort of his home. He was born on March 28, 1938, in Stephens, Arkansas, to his loving parents, Joe Cook and Ruby Edwards-Jackson.
Joe attended the local segregated school for Black children in Stephens. After completing the eleventh grade, he made the selfless decision to leave school and farm full time to help his mother provide for the household. His strong work ethic led him to later gain employment with a local lumber company, where he became a skilled millwright.
On August 15, 1965, Joe united in marriage with his soulmate, Joyce Marie Craig. Together they built a loving life and eventually made their home in Malvern. Joe was employed as a millwright at Willamette Industries in Malvern, where he faithfully worked for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2000. Retirement, however, did not slow him down. He continued operating the lawn care business he had established years earlier, taking great pride in every yard he maintained—especially his own.
Joe loved the outdoors and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid fisherman who cast his line in waters across Arkansas. Gardening was another passion; he enjoyed growing tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of vegetables. Joe would faithfully tend the garden, while Joyce lovingly preserved the harvest through canning. He also enjoyed listening to music, watching westerns, reading his Bible, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. Above all, Joe loved God and carried his faith quietly but sincerely.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Sam Cook, Jessie Cook, and Jim Cook; his sisters, Mattie Tucker and Annie Lou Cook; brothers-in-law, Charles Tucker, Rev. Wilson Ridout, Robert Johnson, Hart Craig, Oreadis Craig, Arch Craig, Harvest Craig, John Arthur Craig, and Lewis Thomas Craig; sisters-in-law, Lula Reed and Maudrine Hughes; and a beloved grandson, Hayden Lewis.
Joe leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of over 60 years, Joyce Cook of Malvern; two sons, Joe Cook, Jr. (Bernice) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Tony Cook of Dickinson, Texas; one daughter, JoAnn Lewis (Herman) of Little Rock, Arkansas; one sister, Joyce Stephens of Chicago, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Willie Reed of Malvern; two sisters-in-law, Lessie Ridout of Waterloo, Iowa, and Vera Mae Johnson of Rockford, Illinois; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Joe’s Homegoing Celebration Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at North Main Church of Christ in Malvern. A visitation will take place from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Brandon’s Mortuary in Malvern. Family and friends are invited to sign Joe’s online guestbook below.
Brandon’s Mortuary is honored to be entrusted with professional services.
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