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BORN
1940
DIED
2024
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Nancy Cook Obituary
On November 22, 2024, Nancy Stilwell Cook, 84, entered into the presence of the Lord.
She was born July 29, 1940, in Burke County, and she was the eldest daughter of Roby and Hazel Stilwell. She was married for 61 years to the love of her life James David Cook. Nancy was a graduate of UNCG and received her degree in education. She was a consummate teacher. Nancy always sought to impart knowledge and instructions to those she met. She taught elementary school for thirty years. Nancy had the wonderful heart of a caring teacher. If you knew her, you know this trait always made its way into the conversation. She was a deep lover of good music of all kinds. She sang in the choir at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where she was a member for many years. She also played a clarinet in a local group called the New Horizon Band. She loved the symphony as well as listening to her grandchildren creating music by singing and playing. Nancy was a champion of the underdog, and a take charge person, as well as a mentor to many young people. Nancy loved being a part of several organizations like The Gadabouts, The Cluckers, and she was a breast cancer awareness advocate and survivor. She always spoke her mind, shared her opinion, and loved "tending" to people. Among the many things she loved, the thing she prized the most was her family.
She is survived by her husband James David Cook "Podge." They have three surviving children, Christy Lynn Cook, Eric David Cook, and Martin Andrew Cook. She has five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Also, she is survived by her sisters, JoAnne "Hona" Childers, and Kimberly Stilwell. Nancy will be greatly missed. We commit her to the love and care of our Lord.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service on December 14th at 11 a.m., at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Eric Cook, and the Rev. Monica Childers. Memorials may be made to Christy's Courage at https://www.christyscourage.org/.
Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to serve the family of Nancy Cook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Cook
Sponsored by Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory.
Len Allman
December 22, 2024
How fortunate I and the members of the Catawba Valley New Horizons Band to have Nancy play her clarinet with us. She brightened our Wednesday morning with her joy, smile and white jokes. We miss her and her spirit.
Patrick Mull
December 10, 2024
Nancy Cook could put a smile on anybody's face. She put love in everything she did. I will always love the Cook family and will never forget Nancy's compassion for her family. You will be missed
Tobe Chikders
December 7, 2024
So sorry to hear that Nancy passed
Great memories growing up and going to high school with her
She was always full of fun
Tim Southers
December 2, 2024
One of the best and most inspiring teachers I ever had in my life. Prayers to the family.
MaryEllen Hansel Rhoney
December 2, 2024
Wherever one might encounter Nancy, she was a special joy to meet. My condolences to her family.
Buck and Nan Johnson
November 30, 2024
Nancy was beautiful in every way!! Our love and prayers for David and Family.
Eddie Dean Mull
November 29, 2024
Just awful news. So sorry David for your loss. A void that can never be filled. May God, family and friends comfort you during this time.
Denise Filip
November 26, 2024
Nancy was a cheerleader for the arts, and supported the symphony on so many levels. May she rest in peace.
Whitney Rea
November 26, 2024
Mrs.Cook was one of my very favorite teachers. She treated my family with so much love and encouraged my mom so much! She gave my mom the opportunity to volunteer and it completely changed her life! She credits all of her involvement to Mrs.Cook. Thank you for being an earthly angel. I know God is happy to have you home. Love, Whitney, Olivia and Kathy Rea
Linda Monroe
November 26, 2024
Dear Dave, Eric, Christie and Marty
I just heard of Nancy`s passing and I am so sorry to hear this
She was such a wonderful person, and I have many good memories of our times together in the neighborhood and afterward
Please know I will hold you all in my heart and keep you all in my prayers
With love,
Linda Monroe
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