Sarah “Evelyn” Ellis Cook

Sarah “Evelyn” Ellis Cook died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011 in Jacksonville.
The funeral was held in Jacksonville Aug. 6, and burial was Aug. 8.
She was born Aug. 29, 1922, in Raeford, the daughter of the late Jack and Florrie Wilson Ellis. Evelyn grew up during the Great Depression. Her mother died when she was 12 years old, after a long illness that had forced Evelyn to increasingly assume mothering and housekeeping duties on a large peach farm. When Evelyn was only 15, her dad was killed in an accident. Despite such hardships, she managed to maintain her quick wit and delightful sense of humor. She graduated from high school in Aberdeen with high marks while holding a job and continuing to help care for her brothers, and later attended business college.
She married Clyde R. Cook, a young Marine, who went on to a career in law enforcement, 29 years of which he served as chief of police in Jacksonville. During their 58-year marriage, Evelyn nurtured, encouraged and supported him and their four children. And she did so for many years while employed full-time in highly responsible positions herself, in office administration.
Evelyn had a strong Christian faith. She was also a very well-read and informed citizen and patriot — one who readily expressed her opinions and who loved a good political debate.
Due to her willingness and determination to give her very all for the good of the family, all who knew Evelyn respected and admired her. And those who loved this tender-hearted Steel Magnolia will long remember and miss her.
She was predeceased by her husband, Clyde R. Cook, and brothers James O. Ellis and William H. Ellis. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Glass (Walter), of Tallahassee, Fla., and Linda Wrightson (Richard), of Garner; sons, Rockne O. Cook, of Jacksonville, and Clyde R. “Bobby” Cook Jr. (Mary), of Garner; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be sent to the family at 25 Burton Place, Jacksonville, NC 28540, or at www.jonesfh.org.