Joseph Cook

Joseph Cook of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, at the age of 98. He was born to the late Elnora (Baby) Hutchins Cook Mays and Robert Cook on May 15, 1927, in Hearne, Texas. Two sons were born to this union, Joseph and Willie Amos. Their parents were farmers in Hearne, Texas.

Joseph enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II at the age of 15 in 1942. He served until July 6, 1946 when he received an honorable discharge at the age of 19: this entitled him to all rights and privileges of a veteran of World War II.

As a sailor visiting Florida, he met and married Gloria Montano Lynch Cook. They reared six children. Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, who passed in 2001, his oldest child, Elnora in1969, his adopted son, James Wilbur Smith, in 1990, and his youngest son, Carlos, in 1976.

After being discharged from the Navy, Joseph relocated his family to New York City where he worked as a taxicab driver, New York City Transit Authority bus driver, New York City Transit Authority conductor, motorman, and retired as a dispatcher with the New York City Transit Authority (the highest level attainable at that time).

Joseph Cook finished his high school education while working full-time to support his family and going to school in the evening. He also took college credits toward receiving a paralegal certificate. After retiring from the New York City Transit Authority, he was employed as a deputy sheriff in Los Angeles County before returning to Texas in 1986.

Joseph Cook received several accolades and recognitions after returning to Austin, Texas in 1986. Listed below are a few of those awards and tributes:

• Certificate of Baptismal - Baptized at Jordan River, Israel 1990

• Certificate of Completion: Citizen Police Academy Austin, Texas 1991

• Certificate of Participation – American Legion Travis Post 76 1992

• Certificate of Appreciation: Outstanding Service to the Community: AARP Chapter 108 1993

• Certificate of Completion: The Second Annual Senior Service Conference on Fraud Against Older Texans-Office of the Attorney General 1994

• Certificate of Appreciation: Outstanding Service to the Community – The American Association of Retired Persons Austin Chapter #108 1995

• Senior Volunteer Award- Retirees Coordinating Board – Austin, Travis County 1996

• Certificate of Completes: Pathfinder Volunteer – 1996

• Grand Jury Service- The State of Texas: The District Courts of Travis County 1996

• Commander’s Appreciation Award – American Legion Travis Post 76 1998

• Officer Award – American Legion Travis Post 76 2005

• Certificate of Appreciation: For Dedicated Service to Travis County and TRIAD/SALT - 2007

• Distinguished Senior Citizen, Outstanding Community Service - Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated: Capital City Chapter – 2011 Honoree

• The M. J. Quill Award: Outstanding Service on Behalf of TWU - Transport Workers Union AFL-CIO

• Honor Flight Austin World War II Medal – Washington, D.C. 2013

• Lifetime Achievement Certificate Award - Ebenezer Third Baptist Church 2018

Joseph was proud of his service to his country and his community. But he was extremely proud of his Church, Ebenezer Third Baptist Church. He was on the board of directors of the Ebenezer Child Development Center in its incipient stage. He bought a brick to signify his support. And he attended church every week, until the Pandemic struck.

Joseph’s memory will be cherished by his oldest son, Ronnie Joseph Cook; his middle daughter, Valli Gloria Cook; his youngest daughter, Dr. Cynthia Theresa Cook; and a granddaughter, Monet Artie Cook. He also leaves behind his devoted cousin, Betty Williams, the Hutchins/Williams/Johnson relatives, the Jeff/Wallace/Jenkins relatives, and the Rena Paula Cunningham/Jefferson/Lynch relatives, and a sister-in-law, Everlyn Flowers Cook.

In addition to leaving behind his biological and extended family, he also leaves behind his church family, Ebenezer Third Baptist Church. May he rest in peace!

A visitation for Joseph will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1010 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78702, followed by a funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.