Thelma Jean Cook

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Thelma Jean Cook, departed from us on June 16th, 2018. She was peacefully resting at her residence.

Thelma was born in Hayti, Missouri to the late Fred Peterson and Ida Caldwell. In the early sixties, Thelma and her family migrated to Michigan where she met the love of her life, Mr. Bobby G. Cook. They married in 1967 and started a family shortly thereafter. Thelma attended Saginaw High School but completed her education at Carrollton High School, where she received her diploma. She was employed for many years as a nurses’ aide at Health Source, formerly known as Saginaw Community Hospital. Her last place of employment was Lutheran Manor.

Thelma was a true woman of God. One of her favorite scriptures was Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times, his praises shall continually be in my mouth.” She received salvation at an early age under the late Superintendent Hurley Coleman, Sr. at Coleman Temple. Thelma was a faithful member of Victorious Believers Ministries since 1999 until the time of her passing. She actively served on the Greeters Board and the Golden Ages Ministry. Thelma loved her VBM family! She would get so excited watching the late Bishop Marvin C. Pryor worship the Lord. She would often say, “Bishop made me want to dance” every time he would shout across the pulpit.

Thelma’s pride and joy were her family, especially her daughters who would often tease her about making friends her own age. Thelma made it known that her daughters were the only friends she needed. Truly, her children were her best friends. Thelma also adored ALL her grandchildren and great-grands. They all held a special place in her heart.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby G. Cook; parents, Fred Peterson and Ida Caldwell; grandparents, St. Joseph and Skiry Burns; brother, Fred Peterson; special cousins Vera “Vernanne” Hall, Shirley Demery; and many aunts and uncles.
She leaves to celebrate her life four daughters, Joyce Daggs, Tarra (Gregory) Williams, Ellecheon (Tina) Cook, Samantha Cook; seven grandchildren, Latoya Cook, Quenton Cook, Brittney Cantu, Brentt Cantu, Brandon Cantu, Justin Cook, Dewon (DJ) Hatfield, Jr.; god granddaughter, De’ajah Cole; seven great-grandchildren, Ma’ryona Haynes, Gaberal Cook, Rionna Cook, Chaniyah Cook, Kaiden Cantu, Brentt Cantu, Jr., Caleb Cantu; one sister, Vivian Jordan; three brothers, Michael (VyEthel) Peterson, Lorenzo Caldwell, Jr., Deon (Katrina) Caldwell; one aunt, Geraldine Riley; two uncles, Dan (Irene) Burns, Leon (Dorothy) Burns; one sister-in-law, Hazel Cook; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including special cousins Missionary Vera (Superintendent Edward) Jones.

The family appreciates the many kind expressions of love and concern extended to them during this time of bereavement. A special thank you to Elder Christopher and Lady K. Pryor and Victorious Believers Ministries, Class of 1968, our Chicago Family and Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.