Karen Williamson Cook

Karen Williamson Cook passed peacefully from this life June 10, 2025 in Okeechobee, Florida. She was 65.
Karen was born in Fort Pierce on October 17, 1959. A lifelong resident of Okeechobee, and the granddaughter and daughter of a rancher and a proud sixth generation Floridian, Karen's family is deeply rooted in Florida heritage. As a child, Karen was the perfect example of a cattleman's sweetheart, as she could be found anywhere from horseback on the ranch, to ballet class, to the FFA show ring, to cheerleading practice. Karen was named the Florida Cattleman's Association (FCA) Sweetheart in 1977, a title she wore proudly. A 1977 graduate of Okeechobee High School, Karen was a lifelong Brahman and purple and gold were among her favorite colors! She loyally led and organized class reunions for many years and stayed close to many of her classmates.
In adulthood, Karen was a devoted volunteer to various organizations and causes, including the American Cancer Society. She taught preschool Sunday School at First Baptist of Okeechobee for many years, and volunteered countless hours at North Elementary School when her children were enrolled – so much so that many children believed she actually worked there! Among her titles over the years were soccer mom, cheerleading mom, tennis mom, and 4-H mom: she could – and did – do it all.
Karen was the epitome of Southern love and hospitality, often opening her home and heart to her friends (and her children's friends – she was, in fact, a cool mom). Ever the animal lover, she routinely made a home for cats, dogs and horses who needed love. A florist by trade, she loved planning and hosting events; at her longtime home in Okeechobee, she hosted countless luncheons, showers, parties of every sort, and even three weddings. She was a loyal Florida Gator fan and spent many Saturdays in The Swamp alongside her children and friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her mother, Betty Chandler Williamson.
She is survived by her father, Frank "Sonny" Wesley Williamson, Jr.; her devoted husband of 14 years, Dave Cook; children, Kristin Larson Hamilton (Alex), John Louis Larson, Lauren Cook Cresswell (Ross), Marcelyn Cook, and Donovan Cook; siblings, Wes Williamson (Darin) and Kim Williamson (Nancy); and many brothers- and sisters-in-love, nieces and nephews, and longtime friends. Karen was also the fun-loving "Kitten" to her five young grandchildren: Hope, Sadie, Jamie, Violet and Evelyn.
Karen's family would like to thank those who guided and loved Karen through her cancer journey: Dr. Trinidad Garcia; Karen's care team at the Anderson Family Cancer Institute at Jupiter Medical; and the Hospice of Okeechobee. Karen would want to remind her loved ones to be prudent in advocating for their health and to stay diligent: as there is no routine early detection or indicator for asymptomatic individuals, ovarian cancer is often only detected in later stages. Her family rejoices that she is fully healed and restored with her Savior.
Karen loved flowers and had deep appreciation for a colorful bouquet, but her family would also welcome donations in her memory to the Hamrick Home/Hospice of Okeechobee: 411 SE 4th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34974, chaptershealth.org.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. with service to follow at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Okeechobee.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.