Reta K. Cook

Reta Kathryn Smith Cook crossed over the bridge from her earthly life and into the kingdom of our Lord the evening of May 2, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. During her final days and hours, Reta was surrounded by countless family and friends who provided strength, comfort, and love during her walk across the beautiful river.

Born on June 5, 1931 in Drumright, Oklahoma, Reta was surrounded in her formative years by a loving mother, sisters, and grandparents, who provided the basis of her support until V.O. Barnes entered her life at an early age and soon married her mother. Reta would later describe him as the rock and foundation of her upbringing, and the most loving and respectful man she had ever known. The family soon moved from Oklahoma to Gladewater, Texas, where Reta attended Sabine High School, and later Kilgore Junior College, prior to enrolling into Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches Texas where she achieved a Bachelorette in Physical Education and a Masters Degree in Education. During her time at Stephen F. Austin Reta fell in love with Donald D. Cook of Humble, Texas, and the couple married during their senior year of college. Following graduation from college, Reta and Don returned to Humble and were blessed with teaching opportunities. Soon they had two beautiful children who Reta adored for all the days of her life. For the next 35 years Reta worked tirelessly with grade school children, beginning her career in Aldine ISD for three years then moving to a lengthy tenure in Humble ISD. She started at Humble Elementary and later moved to Northbelt Elementary where she often referred to her students as "Gods little blessings." Following her retirement at the age of 57, Reta found enjoyment in family, grandchildren, friends, travel and various arts and crafts, and an old rocking chair on the chair at the back porch of the farm. Reta dedicated the final years of her life to hand knitting thousands of baby blankets for hospitals in Mobile, Alabama, and donating them as gifts of love to new mothers. Reta gave so much during her life to others that needed an extra hand, and was a wonderful listener for those who needed a shoulder during a time of need.

Reta was preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, and two half-sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Katrinka Lee Cook Walker and her son-in-law Carl Douglas Walker of Front Royal, Virginia; her son, Donald David Cook and her daughter-in-law Tracy Lee Cook of Mobile, Alabama. She had five grandchildren, Dustin Cook and his wife Elizabeth of Fairhope, Alabama, Lauren Kathryn Walker of Denver, Colorado, Sean Cook of Atlanta, Georgia, Andrew Walker of Centerville, Virginia, and Brandon Cook of Mobile, Alabama. Each grandchild was a diamond in her eyes. Reta is also survived by two sisters: Helen Martin of Las Vegas, Nevada and Joan Glover of Kingwood, Texas, as well as countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

While all those nearest Reta feel a great sense of loss as she crossed the river, we are comforted and rejoice by knowing just how much she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that her work on this earth is now done. Go climb on that glorious mountain, Reta, and job well done.

Yes, we'll gather at the river

The Beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river

That flows by the throne of God.

Soon we'll reach the silver river,

Soon our pilgrimage will cease;

Soon our happy hearts will quiver

With the melody of peace.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 7, 2018, at Rosewood Humble Chapel. Burial followed at Brookside Memorial Park.