Stella Post's Obituary
Stella Marie Smithey Cook Post passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at the age of 100. Stella was born November 29, 1922 to Lucille Damewood and Robert Smithey in Wiregrass Community, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lucille Damewood Smithey; two brothers, Robert Jr., and L’Loy Smithey; one sister, Aleene Pickard Smithey; two husbands, J.D. “Jack” Cook, Jr. and Harold G. Post; her son, John Keith Cook; and her daughter-in-law, Christie Louise Sanderlin Cook.
Stella came to Dallas in 1941 following graduation from Quinlan High School. Early days in Dallas were enjoyed by playing basketball with a women’s semi-professional team known as the Dallas Hornets. She attended Rutherford’s Business School and, after several employers, found a permanent home with Wicker Fish and Poultry Company, which later became known as SYSCO. Retirement as a bookkeeper came in 1984 after 33 years of service.
In 1951 she married J.D. “Jack” Cook, Jr. and they had two children, Vicki Lynn and John Keith. She was devoted to her family and career. Active in Eastern Star, she held many offices and was honored with a 50-year membership. She also served as Mother Advisor for Rainbow Girls. The Cooks were members of St. Mark and West Shore Presbyterian Churches.
Following Jack’s death in 1975, Stella became involved in competition ballroom dancing. Dancing led her to Harold Post and they were married in 1983. The following year they joined The First Baptist Church of Dallas, where Stella served two years as President of the Women’s Bible Class and was an active leader in their Sunday School. Stella and Harold worked together in AARP, NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) and her Sunset Community Annual Reunions. She was also a member of the Echo Book Club which met at Northwood Club and she held several offices.
Despite their busy schedules, they found time to exercise, travel, work in the yard, attend monthly domino games with church friends, visit with their seven grandchildren and occasionally they even enjoyed their combined five children! Mother was blessed further to have had many entertaining visits from Miss Adeline who was born after Harold had passed away.
Harold and Stella moved their membership to Eastminster Presbyterian Church in later years where Stella participated in Sunday School, Women’s Circle Studies, Senior’s Day Out, Soul Food Ministry and many other activities with wonderful new friends. She loved sending cards, calling the membership for “congregational care,” and cooking for others.
Survivors include daughter, Vicki Lynn Cook; granddaughter, Rachael Reneé Cook and Bryan Merritt and great grandsons, Jacob Wayne and Jack Dalton Merritt; her brother, Rayford F. Smithey and generations of nieces and nephews.
Harold’s children and grandchildren were especially dear to Stella and continued caring for her in loving and sweet relationships. They are Kay (Post) and Preston LePage; Tony (deceased) and Jan Post; and Marilyn and Max Post. Grandchildren include Sharolyn and Jim LePage and their children, Zachary, Kevin and Kara; Greg LePage and son, Preston Gregory; Mandy and Jason Post and children, Emma, Zoe, Ruby and Wyatt; Julie (Post) and Stephen Arxer; Allison Post; and Catherine (Post) and Josh McMillan and their daughter Adeline Rae.
Memorials can be made to:
Scottish Rite for Children
2222 Welborn Street
Dallas, Texas 75219
Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services
P.O. Box 140888
Austin, Texas 78714-9981
Gilmont Camp and Conference Center
6075 State Highway 155 North
Gilmer, Texas 75644
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