Neva E. Cook

Neva Ellen Hope Cook saw Jesus face to face on September 13 ,2016 at the age of 96, after living a life of service for her Lord and Savior. She was born on November 26, 1919, in Maysville, Oklahoma to Grover and Melvina Hope. Neva grew up in Frederick, Oklahoma, the 8th of 11 siblings. She always loved being from a large family. Her youngest brother Grover Hope, Jr. is the only surviving sibling. He and his wife Maidee live in Dallas, TX.
Neva was preceded in death by her loving husband S. Lee Cook. Together they lovingly raised four children: Phillip L. Cook (Kathy),of Collinsville, OK; Jana S. Ferguson ( David), of Fayetteville, AR; Ellen L. Ellis ( Richard), of Memphis, Tennessee; Warren D. Cook of Branson, MO. She is survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who adored her. The smallest ones loved being taken for rides in her wheelchair, especially her electric wheelchair which she acquired last year at the age of 95. She loved the freedom and independence this afforded her.
Neva graduated from Frederick High school, Frederick, OK, in 1937. She went on to a year of business school after which she worked a year before enrolling at Oklahoma State University where she completed a degree in Home Economics. There she met her future husband, S. Lee Cook. They settled in Cleveland, Oklahoma after Lee had completed his service in the Army, and raised their family there. Neva later went back to Tulsa University to get her elementary education certificate and many children were blessed to have her as their teacher over the years. Raising a family that would know and love God was Neva and Lee’s priority in life.
Neva had a true servant’s heart and was very active in ministries at First Baptist Church, Cleveland, Okla. for many years. She taught Sunday School and mentored many young women over the years. After moving to Butterfield Trail Village (BTV) in Fayetteville, AR, to be near family, she became a member of University Baptist Church. Neva was always a giver, sharing whatever she had – flowers from her bouquet or treasures from BTV “garage sales” purchased for the purpose of giving them away. At BTV she organized a weekly “hymn sing” which many enjoyed. Hospitality was one of her greatest gifts and many were blessed to share a wonderful meal at her table while she lived in Cleveland. She invested In the lives of all those around her with selfless love, never seeking glory for herself but for God alone. She will most assuredly be missed by countless friends and family.

Memorial donations may be made in her honor to:
Gideons International, ww2@gideons.org

Second Mile Ministry, University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, AR
333 Maple St., Fayetteville, AR 72701

First Baptist Church, Mission Fund
201 Crestview Dr., Cleveland, OK 74020