10/13/2023
Betty Jo Cook, 78 of Center, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
Funeral service is at 11am on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Abundant Love Ministries in Center. Visitation is 1pm until 6pm on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Interment is at Pleasant Grove Cemetery with Pastor Marlin Cloudy officiating.
Betty Jo Cook was born on April 3, 1945 to the proud parents, H.O. Williams and Sarah Goodwin. Ira Goodwin was her step-father and raised her as one of his own. Betty Jo was the second oldest of nine children. They were all raised in the small community of Tenaha, Texas. Betty Jo also received her education in the Tenaha ISD school district.
After school, Betty Jo married Jessie James Cook in 1965. Betty Jo was blessed with six beautiful children: Towanda Pearl, Doyla Jo, James, Tony, Aubrey and Princess. She devoted her entire life to being a great mother. For years, she worked as a dietary aide in the community’s local hospital. Betty Jo worked two or three jobs at a time, if necessary, to provide a good life for her family. She was the definition of strength, perseverance, and resilience.
Betty Jo was a show me type of woman who let her actions speak for her. She could get in the kitchen and work a miracle on the stove. Betty Jo would hit a clock, for as long as required, to make sure her ends met. Betty Jo lived a life of service to others. As a mother, as a woman, Betty Jo can only be described as “Simply Amazing”.
At a young age, Betty Jo attended St. Paul Baptist church in Tenaha. As an adult, she became an active member of Abundant Love Ministries in Center, Texas up until her death.
Betty Jo leaves behind to cherish her memory:
Children:
Towanda Lathan, Baton Rouge, La.
Princess Bell, Nacogdoches
Aubrey Cook, Center
Special niece, Gabby Goodwin, Lufkin
Sisters/Brothers:
Lula Mae Cook, Tenaha
Patsy Goodwin, Tenaha
Claudia Goodwin, Shelbyville
Rommie Lee Goodwin, Tenaha
Larry Wayne Goodwin (Angela), Lufkin
Grandchildren:
Deondrick Williams
Brytanni Blanchard (Justin)
Vatera Tarver Barnes (Rudy)
Marquis Bull
Krystle Cook
Great-Grandchildren:
Brooklyn Roland
Braylon Roland
Brandon Barnes Jr.
DaMya Collins
MyKimzie Collins
MyLaya Collins
Jaden Williams
Emory Blanchard
Breeze Blanchard
Betty Jo also leaves to mourn a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Sarah Goodwin, H.O. Williams, and Ira Goodwin; her children, Doyla Jo Tarver, Tony Cook, and James Cook; granddaughter, Rachanda Collins; and siblings, Juanita Roland, Charles Goodwin, Asie B. Goodwin, Ira Joe Goodwin, Uethel Hayes, Shirley Mosley, Velma Petty, Margie Goodwin, and Dock Hollis Goodwin.
Services under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
