Cornelia Cook Obituary

Cornelia Cook ObituaryCornelia Cook, 98
LAKELAND, FL. – Cornelia Cook, affectionately known as "Connie," transitioned peacefully from this life on June 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service.
Connie dedicated her early life to caring for her family as a homemaker and later retired from her role as a custodian at New York Life Insurance Company. But her greatest calling was found in her unwavering devotion to God, her family, and her community.
A founding member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Connie served faithfully for many decades, most notably as the church pianist until her move to Florida. She contributed tirelessly across many ministries within the church. She was President of the Naomi Missionary Society and was an active member of the Nurse's Guild, Pastor's Aide, Deaconess Board, and Mother's Board. She also taught both Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and shared her voice in the Mass Choir, Ladies Chorus, Women's Choir, and Senior Choir.
Her musical gifts extended beyond the church. She was a devoted member of the Community Chorus and the Tivis Singers, and she served as a volunteer pianist for numerous funeral homes and services. Additionally, she was the pianist for the Ohio Valley Missionary Union and sang in its choir, continuing her ministry through music wherever she was called.
Connie's commitment to her community was deeply felt. She served as Treasurer of the Belleek Street Civic League, which raised scholarship funds to support Black students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She was also an active member of the NAACP, the Community Resource Center, the Community Rescue Mission, and Church Women United. In honor of her impact and lifelong dedication, she was recognized with the Tri-State Black Achievement Award and received a certificate of recognition from then-State Representative Sean Logan. She was also named an honorary member of the RC Board.
A true missionary woman of God, Connie visited the sick and shut-in regularly, offering prayer, music, and comfort to those in hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. Her presence brought light and warmth to every place she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lenwood Tivis and Ophelia Elliot; beloved husband, Willie Cook; her son, Willie James Cook; daughters, Nora Walton and Millie Parker; grandsons Stephen W. Howard, Michael A. Cook, Erick Cook, and Todd C. Cook; and granddaughter Jeana Lavender.
Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Brenda Cook-Howard and Vina Cook-Lavender; her daughter-in-law, Joann Cook; her sister, Lottie Green; and her cousin, Lenwood C. Tivis. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Willie J. Cook, Jr., Belinda Cook, Mary Louise Cook, Terrance Smitherman, Anthony Lavender, Anthony Jackson, Dawn James, Crystal James, Jamie L. Cook, and Donald A. Howard, Jr.
In addition, she leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends who were touched by her unwavering love, strength, and faith.
Pastor Derrick Kendall of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church will conduct a funeral service Friday, July 11, at 12:00 p.m. at the Dawson Funeral Home. Burial will be at Shadow Lawn Memory Gardens in Newell.
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Cornelia Cook, 98
LAKELAND, FL. – Cornelia Cook, affectionately known as "Connie," transitioned peacefully from this life on June 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service.
Connie dedicated her early life to caring for her family as a homemaker and later retired from her role as a custodian a