Gracie Cook West

1933 - 2025

Gracie Cook West

April 28, 1933 - March 12, 2025

Gracie Mae Cook West, 91, went to be with her Lord, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. She was surrounded by her grateful daughter and loving friends. Born in Greensboro April 28,1933, to the late Rev. Walter B. and Mary Conley Cook, Gracie was a lifelong resident of Greensboro with the exception of her junior and senior years of high school when her father accepted a call to the pastorate of Asheville Street Baptist Church in Morganton, NC. An accomplished pianist, it was in Morganton that Gracie met the renowned composer, M. Thomas Cousins (Glorious Everlasting). Recognizing her talent, Mr. Cousins took her "under his wing" and helped her further refine her instrumental skills as well as instructing her on the finer points of musical direction and conducting. Gracie used her God-given talents to play the piano for many churches and directed choirs in Greensboro and the surrounding area for decades. In addition, Gracie enjoyed her work as a studio musician.

She met her future husband while he was a ministerial intern when her family returned to Greensboro. Gracie and the Rev. W. Joe West married and served as a ministerial team for nearly sixty years. They were married just short of seventy years when Joe went to be with the Lord in 2022.

Following her graduation from Morganton High School, Gracie joined Burlington Industries in 1951. She worked as an executive secretary. When Bl spun off some divisions, Gracie joined Galey & Lord. She was an executive assistant to the President, was secretary of the corporation, and retired at age 71.

Gracie is survived by her daughter, Julia "Julie" E. West of Greensboro and her beloved "grand dog", Charlie. She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Charles C. Cook and Walter B. Cook; and her sister, Mildred C. Worsham.

A Celebration of Gracie's life will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Forbis & Dick Funeral Service, N. Elm Street Chapel. Officiants will be The Rev. Dr. Don Clement and the Rev. Dr. Gina Brock.

The family will receive friends from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. just prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to Authoracare Hospice of Greensboro or Ardmore Baptist Church Adult Choir, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.The family would like to thank nurse Holly of Authoracare for the professional and loving care given to Gracie.