Della Cook Obituary

Della Jane (Lockhart) Cook, age 76, was called to her heavenly home on July 12, 2025, after succumbing to a lengthy illness while at her home in Sevierville, TN surrounded by her loved ones.

Della was born on June 25, 1949, in Grundy, Virginia, to James and Vernie (Keene) Lockhart who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Lola Gay Lockhart.

Della married her husband of 59 years, Jerry Cook, on March 5, 1966, in Grundy, Virginia.

Shortly after marriage, they relocated to Ohio where they made a home in Defiance (Ayersville area) and raised three daughters: Sherry, Debra, and Lora.

Della was employed as the bar manager at the Defiance Days Inn for 15 plus years. She was an active member of Second Baptist Church while residing in Ohio. After retirement, Della and Jerry chose to relocate to Sevierville, Tennessee. She became employed at Dollywood on a part-time basis and continued to do so as long as her health allowed, as it had been a passion of hers. Della was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church, Seymour, Tennessee. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, and doing her puzzle books, spending time outside and sitting on her front porch. She was a faithful woman, was always willing to pray for anyone. She was known for her kindness, her hospitality, and her excellent cooking. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Jerry Cook, of Sevierville, Tennessee. Her Daughters: Sherry (Donald II) Dunbar of Defiance, Ohio. Debra (Barry) Culver of Sevierville, Tennessee. Lora (Brent) Vold of Holgate, Ohio. Her Brothers: James (Charlene) Lockhart of Sevierville, Tennessee, Glen (Lora) Lockhart of Defiance, Ohio. Sisters: Wanda Armes of Abingdon, Virginia. Geraldine Miller of Defiance, Ohio. Mary Ellen Lockhart of Oakwood, Virginia. Brothers-in-law: Dorlis (Linda) Cook of Bristol, Virginia. Ronald (Evelyn) Cook of Belfast, Virginia. Sister-in-law: Marilyn Stumbo of Vansant, Virginia. Grandchildren; Samantha Hostettler, Brianna Miner, Jakob Palladino, Hailee Palladino, Jarred Culver, Kayla Culver, Barry Culver, Nathan Vold, Nikole Vold, Kyla Mohley

As well as 12 great grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life in honor of her memory on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, where friends may call from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. A short service will be held at 6 p.m. with Pastor Glen Metts officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to: End of Life Care, Gift Fund Hospice Service at University of Tennessee Medical

2121 Medical Center Way Ste 110

Knoxville, TN 37920

UTmedicalgivenow.org