Lena Fern Cook's Obituary
Obituary for Lena Fern Cook
What do you say about Lena Fern Cook? She was an amazing woman who loved her family voraciously, strong in her faith and love for her Lord and not afraid to boldly ask if you knew her Jesus.
Fern was the middle child in a family of 8 children born to Lester and Flora Turner on June 26, 1927 in Light, Arkansas. While growing up on a farm and picking cotton, Fern quickly determined early on that education was the key to a better life. She excelled in school and went on to attend Arkansas State University where she met and fell in love with a handsome young man, Scotty Phillips, who was fresh out of the Navy and loved to jitterbug. Fern loved to dance.
They married on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1946. Scotty and Fern welcomed their only child, Cheryl Ruth, a year later as Scotty finished his degree. In 1954 the family moved to Garland due to a job opportunity and never left.
Fern worked for Kraft Foods for a few years ultimately becoming the President of Kraft Foods Credit Union now America’s Credit Union. Fern was a strong leader of people always using her Christian values as her guiding principle. As a leader, Fern was actively involved in the Credit Union League locally and nationally lobbying often in Washington, D.C. for credit unions.
Fern’s love for dancing was the reason she met Jim Cook who also loved to dance. Jim and Fern fell in love and married in 1985 sharing a wonderful life of travel and companionship.
Fern loved her community at Twin Rivers Senior Living meeting yet another ‘Jim’ (Tucker). They became ‘special’ friends who shared a strong faith and enjoyed each other’s company.
Fern’s life has always been a shining example of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…who likes to dance. Now Fern is dancing with Jesus.
Preceded in death by parents, Lester and Flora Turner; Brothers, Cole and Jerry Turner; Sisters, Marie Turner, Ouida Spargo, Reland Mitchell, Norma Hill and Catherine Winton; Husbands, Ray Scott Phillips and Jim Cook.
Fern is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Rose and husband, Gerald; Stepdaughter, Lou Ann Cook; Grandsons, Chris Brewer and Rodney Brewer and wife, Sharon; Great granddaughters, Emily Horton and husband, Tristan and Ashley Snell and husband, Paten; Great grandsons, Justin Brewer and Jason Brewer and wife, Autumn; Great great grandchildren, Breece and Blayse Snell and Everleigh and Easton Horton; Step-grandson, Sam Cook.
In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be made to the First Baptist Garland Building Program in honor of Fern or the charity of your choosing.
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