Lizzel Cook

Lizzel Cook, 94, of Lincoln, IL, passed away October 6, 2024.
Visitation will be Friday, October 11, 2024, from 4-8 PM at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home, 620 Pulaski St. Lincoln, IL. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11 AM at Second Baptist Church, 1728 Tremont St. Lincoln, IL. There will be visitation from 10 AM until 11 AM. Burial will follow the services, in New Union Cemetery, Lincoln.

Lizzel was born January 7, 1930, in Magnolia, Mississippi, the daughter of Rev. Cornelius and Symantha (Allen) Varnado. She married James Allen Cook in 1946. He preceded her in death. She retired from Lincoln Developmental Center after more than 30 years of service.

Mrs. Cook had a strong faith, was a prayer warrior, and the pillar of her family. She was a strong woman that instilled that into her family. Several of her children and grandchildren achieved great success as Doctors, Nurses, and professional athletes. Extended family members looked to her for guidance and thought of her as a parental figure. She was loving, considerate, forgiving, and always gave a hand to those in need. The love that she had in her heart for people and for her family stemmed from her love of Jesus Christ. She was instrumental in making sure that all of her children were baptized into the faith. Lizzel was a sports fanatic. She attended all of the children and grandchildren’s sporting events that she could. She was able to attend the US Open to watch Serena Williams play tennis. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, and gardening. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Survivors include her children: Dr. Rosemary Cunningham M. D., Linda McGrady, Beverley Ross, Stacy Jackson (Eric), Steven Cook, Stephanie Johnson, Joe Cook, and Dr. Lisa Cook; grandchildren: Harold Cook Jr., Chase Cook, Tina Cunningham, Nicole Cunningham, Angela Cook, Brian Cook, Kristina Hinton, Natasha Wilson, Lewis Ross, Christina Williams, Allen Ross, William Ross, Nathan Ross, Felicia Froeter, Amina Fleetwood, Brittany Cook, Tyler Cook, Cameron Cook, Janeesa Cook, Davin McCray, Elizabeth Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Andrew Cook, and Cieyara Porch; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members survive. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Cornelius and Symantha (Allen) Varnado, husband James Allen Cook, Sister Mozella King, Sister Majorie McGee,
Brother Melvin Varnado, Brother Julius Varnado, Brother Robert Varnado, daughter Nina Cook, son James Allen “Jimmy” Cook, son Norman Cook, son Harold Cook, and grandson Matthew.

Memorial donations may be made to the family in care of Stacy Jackson.

The funeral service Saturday 10/12/2024 at 11am will be streamed by Second Baptist church @

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