Florence Louise Martin Cook

Florence Louise Martin Cook entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at the age of 105. She was born on January 31, 1913 in St. James Parish Welcome, Louisiana to the late Louise Milan and the late Reverend Ernest Martin. She was the wife of the late Henry Cook and to that Christian union was born seven children (including two sets of twins): five sons, Murriel L. Cook, Sr. of New Orleans, the late Juan E. Cook, Sr., the late Milton K. Cook, the late Paul W. Cook and the late Roland “Cookie” Cook and two daughters, Dr. Janice E. Cook Bax of Atlanta, Georgia and Marvalene Cook Bajoie of New Orleans. She was the sister of Mrs. Emma Ann McCovins of Laplace, Louisiana and the late Benjamin McKeevan of New Orleans. She relocated to New Orleans at a very young age and was raised by her aunt, the late Pauline Wells. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young child and remained faithful and strong in her Christian faith throughout her life. She attended the public schools of New Orleans and graduated from McDonough 35 Senior High School. She was a graduate of Xavier University of New Orleans where she earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. After completing her college studies, she went on to her career as an elementary teacher in New Orleans Public Schools until her retirement. Momma Cook was an active and devoted member in the church, beginning as a youth and for the reminder of her life. She served as church secretary for St. Paul Baptist Church of New Orleans for forty-two years before joining the historic New Zion Baptist Church of New Orleans under the pastorate of the late Reverend Dr. A. L. Davis, Jr. She relocated to Atlanta where she lived with her daughter for several years. She joined the Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia under the pastorate of the Reverend Dr. Howard W. Creecy, Sr. and also served under the pastorate of the Reverend Orlando K. Winters, Sr. She sang in the Gospel Chorus while a member there, until her return to the city of New Orleans. She reestablished her membership to New Zion Baptist Church of New Orleans where she remained under the pastorate of the Reverend Dr. C. S. Gordon, Jr. until her demise. She continued to nurture children and the youth during her dedicated Christian service there as Vacation Bible School teacher, arts & craft coordinator and volunteer advisor in the Boys Scouts Program at New Zion. She took pride in designing and decorating the church bulletin boards, sang in the Radio Choir, attended Sunday school, and served as a member of the Benevolent Society. She also served as a past president of the Pastor Support Auxiliary. She was a faithful member of Eastern Stars Petty Delight #5 O.E.S. where she served in various capacities within her jurisdiction. She was a member of Martha Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Stars and later became a member of Gentilly Delight #31 O.E.S. and was truly a diligent servant of God until her demise. Momma Cook leaves to cherish her memory two daughters Janice and Marvalene, son Murriel, Sr., Sister Emma Ann McCovins of LaPlace, Louisiana, grandsons, Nolan Bajoie, Jr., Juan Cook, Jr., Murriel Cook, Jr., granddaughters Rochelle Cook, Deanna Cook Garnette, Shannon D. Bax of Atlanta, Georgia, Nicole Bajoie Ford, Tyese Cook, Tamika Cook, adopted son Linward J. Martin, Jr., and a host of great and great, great grandchildren, cousins, and other relatives and friends. All pastors, officers and member of New Zion Baptist Church are invited to attend the Funeral Service at New Zion Baptist Church, 2319 Third Street, New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 10:00 A.M., viewing 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M., Reverend Dr. C.S. Gordon officiating. Interment: Resthaven Memorial Park, 10400 Old Gentilly Road. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.