Lisa Gaye Cook

Lisa Gaye Cook
Staunton - Lisa Gaye (Johnson) Cook, 67, of Staunton, IL, passed peacefully on March 15, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her deeply, following her two-year battle with ALS.
Born in Alton, IL, to Leroy Johnson and Dona (Davis) Myers, she grew up in Rosewood Heights. She graduated from Roxana High School and later received a degree in Business Administration from Lewis and Clark Community College. Lisa became an example of what it means to live life to the fullest. Her warm and inviting spirit made all who encountered her feel loved and appreciated. She never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. Her generosity and kindness were immeasurable. Her final act of selflessness came in the form of donating her brain and spinal cord to Washington University, to further ALS research and help those who face the disease in the future.
On December 29, 1991, Lisa married Keith Cook in Midway, IL. Keith was not simply her husband, but her best friend and the absolute love of her life for over 30 years.
Tapping into her entrepreneurial spirit, she and Keith launched Communication Concepts, the first cellular phone store in Edwardsville, in the early 90s. Over time, they expanded their business to multiple locations within the region. Following the sale of their company, Lisa continued her professional journey as a dedicated Realtor, ultimately becoming a Managing Broker. She enjoyed helping others find the perfect place to lay down roots.
Lisa loved being on and around the water, whether at the beach or the lake house she shared with Keith at the Lake of the Ozarks. At the lake, the door was always open. For over two decades, they entertained and welcomed family, friends, and even strangers to enjoy a weekend away. All were welcome at the lake. Many days were spent in the sun on their boat, "Cell Mates," a play on their cellular business. Her most treasured times at the lake were when the grandkids were huddled around the fire pit roasting marshmallows and laughing the night away.
In retirement, they traded the shores of Lake of the Ozarks to embark upon "The Great Loop." As official "Loopers," Keith and Lisa began their voyage in Kentucky, setting out on the adventure of a lifetime. Together, they made their way through numerous locks and dams along the river systems until they reached the open waters of the Gulf and the Atlantic. Ultimately, they dropped anchor in Staunton, Illinois, building their forever home.
As the size of her family grew into the double digits, Lisa and Keith joked that their family consisted of many "mergers and acquisitions." Whether you were a child by birth, a "bonus kid" by marriage, or one of the numerous friends who became family, you were loved and welcomed with open arms.
Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy Johnson and Dona (Davis) Myers.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Keith Cook; her children, Tara (Joe) Demand, Lori (Bryson) Baker, Michael (Jenny) Cook, and Amy (Alonzo) Garrett; and her grandchildren, Meghan Ellis, Caleb (Marissa) Ellis, Josh (Daeja Ford) Ellis, Elijah Ellis, Annalisa Segura, Jordan Demand, Christian (Hannah) Demand, Zane Baker, Tagg Baker, Cole Taillon, Sadie Starwalt-Cook, Michael Cook Jr., Gage Zitko, Tristan (Bethany) Moore, Marcus (Anyssa McCarvey) Latham, Marissa Lewis, Alyssa Sexton, and Anthony Garrett II. She also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Jaylee and Penelope, with another great-granddaughter arriving in April.
Lisa is further survived by her stepmother, Sandy Johnson; stepfather, Rick Meyers; brothers, Steve (Ardi) Johnson, Jeff (Andi) Johnson, and Craig Johnson; stepsisters, Cathy (Carrie) Bogart, Carol (Steve Carey) LaCoax, and Cindy (Randy) Harris; and a host of nieces, nephews, dear friends and caregivers, including Jazmon White, who was instrumental in caring for Lisa during the last six months of her life, becoming a part of the Cook family.
Services will be held on March 21, 2026, at Paynic Home for Funerals in East Alton, IL. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Service will begin at 2 p.m. Officiating the service will be Tom Vogt. Lisa will be laid to rest in a private family service at Roselawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association.
An online guestbook is available at www.paynicfh.com.