Virginia Cook

Virginia Jaculin Austin Cook, 88, of Harrisburg, went into Jesus' arms as the sun was rising on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.  Joy came in the morning and new mercies were given.  We rejoice and are praising God for the life she lived and how she touched so many through song and life.

Mrs. Cook was born March 7, 1934 in Rome, Georgia, to the late Edward and Maggie Austin.  She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 60 years, James Junior Cook; son, Timothy J. Cook; brother, Herman Austin; and sister, Carolyn Bryan.

Mrs. Cook had a career in medical insurance her whole life.  She retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas.  She was a member of Northside Church in Charlotte, where her grandson, Michael Landrum, is the senior pastor.  She was a longtime member of Bible Baptist Church in Jacksonville, AR, before moving to live with her daughter, Becky, and son-in-law, Rich, in North Carolina.  She had a sharp wit to the very end and enjoyed playing Sequence each week with family and church family.  Most people did not know that she used to sing at gospel concerts in Arkansas.  Mrs. Cook was an avid fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks.  She also loved her fried southern food.  Most of all, Virginia, was a loving mom, grandma, and aunt.  She will be forever loved and dearly missed, but never forgotten.  We know she has the most beautiful hat to adorn in Heaven.

Survivors include daughter, Shirley (Michael) Waterhouse of Denton, TX; daughter, Becky (Richard) Smith of Harrisburg, NC; son, Keith Cook of Little Rock, AR; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A service in celebration of Virginia's life will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Bible Baptist Church in Jacksonville, AR.   Virginia will be laid to rest at Concord Methodist Church Cemetery in Lonoke, AR.

Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Cook family.