Katheline Cooke

Katheline Cooke, a devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on her 82nd birthday, November 13, 2025, in Hampton, Virginia. Born on November 13, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, Katheline was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering faith.

A graduate of John Hay High School, Katheline embarked on a successful career as an accountant with Standard Oil, where she dedicated many years before retiring. Her work was characterized by diligence and integrity, traits that she carried into every aspect of her life.

Katheline was a long-standing member of Open Door Baptist Church, where she was cherished for her generous spirit and steadfast devotion. She was always ready to greet everyone with a smile and plenty of encouraging words, offering prayers and forgiveness to all who needed them.

Her interests were as vibrant as her personality. Katheline had a remarkable talent for making others laugh and smile, often showcasing her unmatched dancing skills at family gatherings. She cherished spending time with her family, whether it was enjoying cookouts or engaging in spirited card games. Family was everything to her, and she led with love in all she did, truly embodying the role of a nurturing matriarch.

Preceded in death by her parents, Anne Marie Kenney and Simon Kenney, and her siblings Patricia Mason, Joan Kenney, Edith Walker, Josephine Kenney, and John Kenney, Katheline leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. She is survived by her beloved daughter Erica White, granddaughter Maria White, and great-grandchildren Aristotle Whiting, Jada Maree White, Josephine White, and Pharaoh White. She is also survived by her brother Simon "Buddy" Kenney, sister Ruth "Ruthie" Kenney, grandson-in-love Darryl "Hubba Bubba" Lynch, and son-in-love Saul "Mario" White.

Katheline was a true angel on earth, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace, surrounded by the loved ones who preceded her.

Service details are pending, but the family invites all who knew and loved Katheline to join them in celebrating her extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in honor of Katheline's generous spirit.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."