DIED

January 5, 2019

LOCATION

Chciago, Illinois

MERCER COOK, SR.
Mercer Cook, Sr., 88, born May 31, 1930 in Washington, DC, passed away on January 5, 2019. Mercer was a graduate of Dunbar high school in Washington DC, class of 1947, earned a BA from Amherst College, class of 1951, and received a JD from the University of Chicago in 1956. After college, Mercer was awarded a Fulbright scholarship and studied at the Sorbonne in Paris.Mercer was a member of the Illinois Bar. Over the course of his public service career, he worked for the Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, and the State's Attorney's Office, where he held the position of Deputy State's Attorney until his retirement in 1993. He was expert on city land acquisitions and a seasoned courtroom attorney. Mercer participated in the founding of the National Black Prosecutors Association in 1983 that is dedicated, through scholarship programs and public forums, to promoting the advancement of Blacks as prosecutors for state and local governments. Mercer was an avid reader and golf enthusiast. His laugh, quick wit and sense of humor could enliven any gathering.Mercer is survived by his beloved wife Edwina Tomlin and his brother Jacques Cook. He has three accomplished children from his first marriage to Ann Dibble Jordan: Antoinette (Toni) Bush, Janice Rochon Roberts and Mercer Jr; and seven grandchildren: Avery N. Cook Mercer R. Cook, Shelbie J. Cook, Dwight L. Bush Jr., Jacqueline D. Bush, Antoinette D. Roberts, and Richard T. Roberts.Memorial Visitation on Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 2 to 4 p.m.at Unity Funeral Parlors, Inc., 4114 S Michigan Ave.,Chicago, IL 60653. 773-624-2703

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I am just learning of Mr. Cooks passing. I was a caregiver for his wife and anytime I walked into their home Mercer always greeted me with a smile and took time out to ask me about my family as well as follow up with me about the courses I was taking at the time. Mercer had a wonderful sense of humor and was an all around great man. His devotion to Edwina was admirable and out of all the families that I had the pleasure of working with Mr. and Mrs. Cook are truly the most memorable. I am...

Leslie Phillips

December 07, 2019 | Chicago, IL

I will never forget the great friend he was to me,I will miss him. Dr.Oliver TaylorDr.Oliver

Dr.Oliver Taylor

February 11, 2019 | Chicago,IL 60649 | Friend

Mercer has been a great comfort to me for the past several years and I only just today learned of his passing. I wish to tell his children, brother and grandchildren how Mercer's wit, charm, compassion and his devotion to his beloved Edwina serve as a model for me as I, too, care for a spouse with Alzheimer's. At each monthly support group meeting, I could count on Mercer to listen closely and share thoughtfully. Whether it was a report of his latest golf outing whenever weather permitted, or...

Melissa Meltzer Warehall

February 07, 2019 | Chicago, IL

Toni and family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. The Amherst folks shared his obituary and story of his legacy. We owe a great to the pioneers. Condolences. Josie Hart

January 20, 2019

Mercer was One of the Supervisors I worked for in the Civil Division At Cook County State's Attorney's Office on 5th Floor He was a Good Attorney. So Sorry to hear of his Passing. The Family has Our DeepestSympathy. And may God bless them All at this time of Sorrow.

Marilyn Shannon - Smith

January 19, 2019 | Bellwood, IL | Coworker

My sympathy to Mercers family. He was such a gentle man. May he rest in peace.

Pat Shymanski

January 19, 2019 | Chicago, IL | Coworker

My sincere condolences to the family. May your fondest memories somehow help you face each new tomorrow, and may God comfort you during this difficult time. Psalms 68:20

Lynne CV

January 19, 2019 | IL

My Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Laura Norris

January 19, 2019 | Calumet City, IL | Coworker

May the bereaved family be comforted by looking forward to Jesus' promise of seeing your dear loved one again. John 6:40.

A. L.

January 18, 2019

MERCER COOK

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