Obituary of Syretha T Cook

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies...Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excel them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Syretha Ethel Lee Thomas Cook was called home to rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father on Monday, November 30, 2020. Syretha (Sister) was born on March 6, 1929, in Twiggs County, Jeffersonville, Georgia. She was the second of five children born to the late Gifford and Ethel R. Thomas. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Gifford Jr. and Ivory; and a sister, Evelyn Young. As a young child, Syretha moved with her family from Georgia to Monroeville, New Jersey before relocating to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was educated in the Philadelphia public school system and graduated from Overbrook High School in 1947. While in high school, Syretha was on the Honor Squad, honed her secretarial talents, and was considered an expert typist. Later she thought about attending business school. She chose, however, to enter the workforce. She worked as a secretary for many years at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot, and for 32 years as the Administrative Secretary for the Commander of the 18th Military Airlift Command Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base. Syretha loved the Lord. She accepted Christ, and at a young age, became a baptized believer at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 37th & Wallace Streets, Philadelphia, PA under the leadership of the late Reverend T.H. Carter. At Mount Olive, she was an active member of the Young Adult Choir and was delighted to serve as the Secretary of the choir for many years. Sister was a faithful member until she married and moved to New Hampshire with her husband, Staff Sergeant Walter E. Cook. Syretha met Walter at a social gathering. They married on October 22, 1960. To this union, her three children were born. She was a devoted and loving mother. She took great pride in the achievements of her children, grandchildren, and bonus children. She enjoyed cooking. Her family looked forward to her many delicious holiday feasts. A favorite pastime was shopping at the local farmer's market with her special friend -- they affectionately called themselves "Lucy & Ethel." Later in life, she made the courageous decision to have both of her knees replaced at the same time. Healing was not an easy task, but it led to her developing a fond interest in yoga, which she practiced for many years. Over the course of her life, she met and cherished many lifelong friends -- one even taught her how to drive. An accomplishment she never needed to learn while living in the city because she loved walking and taking in the sights. But, as a military wife, Syretha realized that she needed to drive to support her growing family as they relocated to New Jersey, Kansas, and Upstate New York while her husband was often overseas. In 1974, the family settled in Willingboro, New Jersey. Her love for God and her desire to insure her children had a personal relationship with God led her to join in fellowship with Delaware Valley Baptist Church (DVBC). Syretha made sure the “three Ts” were always runway ready for Sunday School, church services, and their many activities at DVBC. She also enjoyed participating and learning in the women’s Sunday school class. One of her favorite bible verses was Micah 6:8 which reads, “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Syretha was a classy yet quiet and faithful woman who loved the Lord. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Syretha will be missed by all who came to know and love her. She leaves to cherish her memory and to continue her legacy of love: her husband, Walter E. Cook; three adoring children, Dr. Tracey Y. Cook and her husband, Michael Gains, Teresa R.C. Simms and her husband, Garfield B. Simms Ph.D., JD, The Honorable Judge Terrence R. Cook and his wife, Kecia Parham Cook; her devoted sister, Doris Thomas; six loving grandchildren, Lauren Bailey, Garfield Simms, III; Miles Cook, Langston Gains, Brandon Simms, and Isaiah Cook. A bonus granddaughter, Anisa Gains; bonus great-grandchildren, Ashawna Lim, Alaiah Alexander, and Darnell Turner, Jr. and a bonus great-great-grandson, LeVahn Cornelius; three beloved nephews Ivory Thomas, Jr., Victor Young, Donald Young, and a beautiful niece Karen Young; and a host of cherished cousins and friends.