Mary Eleanor (Baker) Cooks

MARY ELEANOR BAKER COOKS, age 90 of Birmingham, went to her heavenly home on Monday, January 20, 2025. Born on July 7, 1934 in Odenville, AL, Mary Eleanor Baker Cooks dedicated her life to both education and family, leaving behind a legacy of strength, dedication, and love. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas B. Cooks, her mother Mary E. Baker, father James Campbell [Eumas], 6 brothers and 7 sisters. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Dana S. [James] Love, Avis C. Harris of Birmingham, AL and Bernita R. Campbell [Sharrod] of Fayetteville, GA.; grandchildren: Christopher Love of Seattle, WA; Kristen Love of Birmingham, AL; Xavier Campbell and Brandon Campbell of Fayetteville, GA; 2 sisters, Barbara Evans of Acmar, AL and Carol [Hubert] McGraw of Wichita Falls, TX, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. Eleanor accepted Christ at an early age, being baptized at the age of 9 in Odenville, AL. Her early church membership began at the church founded and built by her grandfather, Baker Zion Baptist Church in Odenville, AL under the pastorate of the late Rev. J.J. McGee. She served as a faithful member of this church until 1961 at which time she moved her membership to Pilgrim Home Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL under the pastorate of the late Rev. Cleophus Ware, Sr. This is where she served faithfully under the pastorate of Rev. Fred Jemison, Jr. until her health began to fail. She served in many capacities at Pilgrim Home including being a youth and young adult Sunday School teacher for many years, a deaconess, and Chair for the Scholarship Committee. Eleanor received her formal early education through the St. Clair County and Birmingham City Schools, graduating from Parker High School in 1951. Because of Eleanor’s early love for education and thirst for knowledge she continued her studies at Miles College where she graduated with her undergraduate degree in Education. She later went on to receive her Masters Degree and AA degrees in Math and Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also completed numerous hours towards her PhD degree by completing coursework at the following universities: Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC; University of Montevallo, Montevallo, AL; Birmingham Southern University, Birmingham, AL; Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, AL; and University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. All of these educational opportunities gave Eleanor a chance to be a better more informed teacher that could share her experiences with all of her students & help further shape their educational experience.

Eleanor had a remarkable 47.5-year teaching career. Through her many years of dedication and commitment, she impacted the lives of thousands of students at Ashville Elementary School, St. Clair County Training School, Pell City High School, Kennedy Middle School, and finally Department of Youth Services-Vacca Campus, where she taught math and science with an unwavering passion for learning. Her love for education extended beyond the classroom; she inspired her students to think critically, pursue their dreams, and grow into compassionate, thoughtful individuals. Throughout her career, she was not just an educator but a mentor, friend, and guide to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her classroom was a safe space where curiosity flourished, and she often stayed late to provide extra help, counseling, or a listening ear to those in need. Over the years, she earned numerous accolades for her contributions to the field of education, yet, it was the gratitude expressed by former students—who would return to visit her years after graduation—that brought her the greatest joy. In retirement, Eleanor remained active in the Greenleaf Heights/North Smithfield Manor community, Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, Alpha Pi Chi Sorority, and the Fairfield Senior Center. Her impact on all those she came into contact with was immeasurable, and she continued to inspire those around her with her wisdom, kindness, and generosity. Eleanor’s impact will be felt for generations to come, and she will forever be remembered as a true champion of education, a loving family member, strong willed, classy lady, and a cherished friend. May she rest in peace. Gone but never forgotten.

She will lie-in-state at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 PM. Her funeral service will be a Ridout’s Trussville Chapel beginning at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025 followed by a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery beginning at 2:00 PM.