Her family eventually moved to Austin, and she attended Austin High School. She married the love of her life, H. Don James, Sr., on December 6, 1947. They were married until Don's death on June 21, 2009.
Together, Cookie and Don established Donco Truck & Automotive in 1971. They worked side-by-side until their retirement.
Cookie possessed a strong work ethic, and a keen business instinct. She was a gifted interior designer/decorator, and enjoyed transforming the homes of family and friends. To say that Cookie was a "big animal lover" is an understatement. She loved all animals, but held a special place in her heart for all of her toy fox terriers. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.
Cookie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Irene (Dodson) Alford; her sister, Aileen Sherman, and her husband, H. Don James, Sr. She is survived by her daughter, Beatrice "Ginger" Hill; son and daughter in-law, H. Don James, Jr and Melissa; granddaughters: Michelle Teggeman (Jimmy), Crystal Muller (Paul), Brittany Gonzalez (Rene), and Heather Hinkle (Corey); her great grandchildren: Madison Smith (Cody), Hollie Simpson, Claire Gonzalez, Carter Gonzalez, Hayden Hinkle, and Holden Hinkle (all of whom reside in the Austin area.)
The family will be holding a private service. Memorial donations may be made to the following causes close to Cookie's heart: Dell Children's Medical Center and The Central Texas Food Bank.
