Lisa Beard Cooke

LISA BEARD COOKE, 66, went to be with the Lord on January 1, 2024, from the James Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by love. Lisa was born October 17, 1957, to Tom and Priscilla Beard of South Point, Ohio. Lisa is preceded in death by her father, Tom Beard; her loving husband, Henry Cooke; her sister, Jan Beard Smith; and her sister, Annie Beard. She is survived by her mother, Priscilla Beard of South Point, Ohio; Joy Partner, Bill Flere of Dublin, Ohio; son Gus (Jeanna) Cooke of Harrisburg, Va.; daughter Bethany (Adam) Gonczy of Athens, Ohio; and niece / bonus daughter Becky (Jordy) McCoy of Rock Hill, South Carolina; as well as grandchildren Kacie Mendez, August Cooke, Brooklynn Gonczy, Hayden McCoy, Brantley Harrison, Bennett Cooke, Sawyer Harrison, and Kyle McCoy; and many special cousins. Lisa graduated from South Point High School in 1975, went on to obtain a bachelor's degree from Marshall University and later completed a Masters' degree from Ohio University in Education. Until her retirement in 2009, Lisa taught science at South Point High School and taught education courses for Ohio University. She had many passions including singing in the church choir, "The Beard Family Singers," or just putting her feet up on a campfire ring. She loved hosting Holiday parties, going to the beach, and was always ready for an adventure. The same year as her retirement, Lisa's husband was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Being a lifelong learner and educator, Lisa took it upon herself to not only learn everything that she could about the disease while finding him the best care available, but also create blogs and support groups for others who were being faced with the role of "caregiver" for loved ones with Lewy Body. Also at this time, Lisa pursued a lifelong dream of writing romance novels, and it turned out that she had quite the talent! She authored 11 published novels during her writing adventure that ranged from historical romance to paranormal stories, another fascination of hers. After the Lewy Body battle was complete, Lisa took a couple of years to gain some independence and have some fun! She purchased a camper and joined an all-women's camping club and traveled the eastern United States with her new-found friends. She had a very popular blog at this time, titled "Granny on the Loose" where she talked about her camping adventures with the sass and wit that made her writing style so unique. It wasn't much longer before she got a second chance at love. She met her "Joy Partner," Bill, in 2019 and they were inseparable from the beginning. Soon her camping adventures included her new "plus one," and before she knew it, she was head over heels in love with her new best friend. Together, they traveled, spent hours discussing wonders of the world, and hiked every hiking trail that they could find. Days turned into months which turned into years of joy, laughter, and love. Those who loved Lisa will remember her beautiful smile, quick wit, and warm heart. She touched the lives of thousands of students, coworkers, support group members, First United Methodist Church Family and Choir, as well as her own family and friends. Her family would like to thank each and every person who has brought joy into her life and shown their love to her during her lifetime and especially during this past year. Lisa's Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at The First United Methodist Church, 1124 5th Avenue, Huntington, WV, 25701. Visitation 2 to 4 p.m., with service at 4 p.m., led by Pastor Scott Sears. A special thank you to Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home of Athens, Ohio, for coordinating and giving their support from Columbus to Huntington and everywhere in between. Please feel welcomed to sign the online guestbook or leave a message of sympathy at the funeral home website, hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.