Mae Frances Thompson Cooke was born November 11, 1951, in Savannah, GA., as the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Douglas Thompson, Sr. and Mrs. Elouise Hicks Thompson. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, she peacefully answered the Master’s call and entered into eternal rest at Columbus Hospice in Columbus, Georgia.
At an early age Mae was baptized at Second St. John Baptist Church in Savannah, GA, where she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher. A proud graduate of Grove High School, she furthered her education at Savannah State College, now University.
Mae was united in holy matrimony to her beloved husband, Roy Lewis Cooke, on June 7, 1970, at Second St. John Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia. Their union was a testament of love, commitment, and faith. To this union, they were blessed with two sons, Terrence Lenard and Renaud Lenci. Later, she united with Nazareth Baptist Church, and she continued to serve by working diligently as a Deaconess, member of the Culinary Ministry, GMBC 4th District Women’s Auxiliary and wherever she was needed. Not only was she active in her church, but she was also an Eastern Star. She truly embodied a life of service to God and others.
She dedicated over 31 years of faithful service to Children and Youth Services at Fort Benning, GA retiring April 21, 2017.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Mr. Douglas Thompson, Sr., and Mrs. Elouise Hicks Thompson.
Mae leaves to cherish her precious memories her devoted husband, Roy Lewis Cooke; two loving sons, Terrence Lenard Cooke of Columbus, GA and 1SG Renaud Lenci (Yama) Cooke of Fort Jackson, SC; stepmother, Gloria Thompson of Savannah, GA; three grandchildren, Yamesha Cooke, Asia Cooke and Renaud Cooke, Jr.; three sisters, Peggy (Andrew) Johnson of Detroit, MI, Dezita Thompson and Wendy Thompson, both of Savannah, GA; four brothers, James Thompson of Chatham City, GA, Douglas (Lula) Thompson, Jr. of Savannah, GA, Michael (Eniye) Thompson of Bahrain, Asia and Lawrence (Stacy) Thompson of San Diego, CA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends that will cherish her memory forever.
Visitation for Family and Friends will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907, US, on April 22, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Nazareth Baptist Church, 526 Radcliff Ave, Columbus, GA 31906, US, on April 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
A Committal Service will be held at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL-165, Fort Mitchell, AL 36856, US, on April 23, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.
