Thelma E. Cook

On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, Thelma Elizabeth Cook journeyed into the loving and waiting arms of the Lord she loved and served. Thelma was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 25, 1920 to Gertrude and Harold Frazier. She had an older sister, Hazel Bernice and younger brother, Charles Jerome. As a young child, Thelma enjoyed reading, excelled in poetry writing and loved eating crisp apples. She attended Baltimore City Public Schools and married in her early twenties. From this marriage, she was blessed with the birth of her first daughter, Carol. Later in life, she married the late Vernon W. Cook and out of this union two daughters, Margaret and Yvonne were born. Thelma devoted her life to her family as a loving mother and wife; nothing delighted her more than spending time with her family. She also embraced and loved her daughters’ friends; and, they loved her right back. Thelma was also a compassionate and loving daughter and for many years cared for her mother (affectionately called Nana) until she passed away at the age of 95. Ms. Thelma was the perfect hostess, an exceptional cook and her home was always filled with the warmth of friends, family and good food. She meticulously planned and took pleasure in celebrating holidays and special occasions. Family and friends looked forward to sharing Thanksgiving and Christmas at the “Cook” residence, with high expectations of enjoying the large fragrant live tree adorned with gorgeous heirloom ornaments, the juicy butter basted turkey, clove and brown sugar ham, creamy eggnog, seven types of homemade cookies and a multitude of cakes, pies and side dishes. During the summer months while the girls were on summer break, she often took hiatus from work to spend that time with the family. She was always planning her next activity and often arranged picnics, cook outs, outings to amusement parks and beaches. She enjoyed playing dodge ball and riding the rides at Gwynn Oak Amusement Park … her favorite was the “round-up.” Throughout the year, she hosted Easter Egg Hunts, Halloween parties, sleepovers for the children, weddings and weekly pinochle parties. As the children matured, Thelma began expanding her interests … travelling both nationally and internationally. She joined several social clubs and was a member of the LaCharmerettes. Her loyal and devoted friendships garnered her relationships that spanned decades. After careful reflection of her life and the passing of her husband, Thelma pursued a new course in life. In 1982, she was baptized, born again, and consecrated her remaining years to Christ. Thelma embraced this journey, laboring in the church, singing on the choir, serving on committees, visiting the sick and sharing God’s word throughout the city. Her devotion and dedication to Christ and her untiring efforts earned her many awards and citations, including a Baltimore City Mayoral Citation. She faithfully served as a member of the New Life Inspirational Church, pastored by Reverend Herbert Sye until she became ill in 1995 and was remanded to Augsburg Lutheran Nursing Home. In addition to her three devoted daughters, Thelma is the proud grandmother of Eric Watson, Rhonda Crosby, Goldsborough Gaines and Vernon Gaines. She is the great-grandmother of Brittany, Bria and Brian Crosby and Brandon and Alyssa Watson and Thomas, Elizabeth and Jacob Gaines; and greatgreat- grandmother to Janiya Crosby. She has one son-in-law, Rev. Sylvester Goldsborough Gaines Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tributes

Thelma E. Cook

March 25, 1920 - February 20, 2013