WILLIAMSBURG — Mary Ann Marrow Cooke, 94, transitioned peacefully Friday, July 16, 2021, at her home to be with the Lord. She was affectionally known as “Sista” or “Miss Mary” by her friends and family. The daughter of the late Plato Marrow Sr. and Virginia Harris Marrow, she was born April 13, 1927, in Charles City. She attended the public schools of Charles City County and was a graduate of Ruthville High School.
On Nov. 14, 1948, Mary was united in holy matrimony to James Arnold Cooke Sr., who preceded her in death. This union was blessed with six children.
Mary confessed to Christ at an early age and was a lifelong devoted member of Jerusalem Baptist Church. She held many positions in the church to include being a part of the church choir, secretary, and historian. At the time of her passing, she was the oldest member and Mother of Jerusalem Baptist Church.
She was employed by Colonial Williamsburg and later worked for many years at the College of William & Mary as an executive housekeeper. While working as a housekeeper, she received an associate degree in Childhood Development at Thomas Nelson Community College. After retirement, she was devoted to working with children and became a teacher’s assistant with Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, working at numerous schools, including Rawls Bird Elementary and Norge Elementary Schools.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Charlotte Trower, Elizabeth Elliot and Alice Cropper; brother, Plato Marrow Jr.; and grandson, Cardinal Barnes.
She leaves to cherish her memory with her six children, James A. Cooke Jr., Debra Cooke Barnes (George), Marvin Cooke, Eric Cooke (Malinda), Edwin Cooke (Vernitia) and Andrea Cooke; 10 grandchildren, Antonio James, La Cherie Cooke, Raven “Ciera” Barnes, Starling “Antoione” Barnes, Erica Cooke, Paula Cooke, Bridgitte Cooke, Kiera Adams, Taylor Cooke and Lauren Cooke; three great-granddaughters, Akeylah James, Taleah James and Kassidy Vowels; three sisters, Gladys Armstead, Rae Foster and Jackie Wallace; brother, George Marrow; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, Eurqhardt “Erkie” Tabb, friends and the devoted members of Jerusalem Baptist Church.
Mrs. Cooke may be viewed from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, July 26, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 27, at Bethel Restoration Center, Williamsburg. Interment will follow in Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
