Ellen Sperring Cooke

COOKE, Ellen Elizabeth (Ellen), 97 passed away peacefully entering the presence of God June 22, 2024. She was born to Charlie Willard Sperring and Evie Platt in the charming rural town of Live Oak Florida, May 31, 1927. With the support of her aunt, she attended Stetson University envisioning a future life as a missionary and schoolteacher. She later transferred to Florida State University to complete her teaching degree where she met another student Robert (Bob) Henry Cooke. They married July 21, 1949, and spent a beautiful 70 years together until Bob’s passing on, June 22, the same day as Ellen four years earlier. They had three children, nine grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

Ellen was an elementary school teacher in Tampa but also taught in Live Oak and Jacksonville FL. Her teaching also reached out to young people in her church, teaching Sunday School, hosting youth parties in her home, and chaperoning youth singing and missionary tours.

She loved her God and church and was not afraid to speak her mind when it came to her beliefs and her tough love for others. She enjoyed membership at both Bayshore Baptist Church, Exciting Idlewild Church and South Tampa Fellowship, all providing her with deep long-lasting friendships.

In her later years she focused on spending time with grandkids and traveling with Bob and friends to places all around the U.S.

Her last two years she was lovingly cared for by a team of dedicated care givers at Inspired Living of Tampa.

Ellen was known for her warm, sweet, and loving personality. She was always welcoming to anyone she met, and her home was a place of peace and acceptance.

Ellen is survived by her brother Reginald (Bo) Sperring, (Shirley) and sister, Betty A. Chester; children Robert (Bob) Henry Cooke Jr. (Nancy); Steven Arthur Cooke, (Shelley), Diane Elizabeth Cooke Olthoff, (Steve); and her grandchildren: Amy, Christopher and Emily (Robert’s children); Brad and Scott (Steve’s children); Katie, Stephanie, Brittany and John (Diane’s children). And 16 great grandchildren. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob, beloved brothers and sisters: Lewis, David, Charles, Dorothy (Neeper), Ollen, Frances and Thomas.

A memorial service will be held at South Tampa Fellowship at 5101 Bayshore Blvd., Saturday, July 13, 1pm.