Evelyn Cook

Evelyn Cook was born on March 27, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Jonas and Eloise Jackson. She is the second of three daughters. Evelyn attended Lincoln and Findley Avenue Elementary Schools and graduated from A.H. Parker High School in January 1961. Following high school, she enrolled at Miles College.

In 1963, Evelyn paused her education to marry her high school sweetheart, Willie Cook. She returned to Miles College in 1965, where she became an active member of the Miles College Choir and the Rho Nu Club. In 1967, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Biology.

Evelyn began her teaching career in 1967 at Boteler High School in Holt, Alabama. In 1968, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and started working for the Atlanta Public School System as a mathematics teacher at J.C. Murphy High School. Evelyn continued her education at Atlanta University, where she graduated in 1971 with a Master’s degree in Secondary Education. She also pursued additional studies at Georgia State University.

In 1984, Evelyn was asked to coach the softball team at J.C. Murphy High School, a role she embraced for 18 years. She was named Region Coach of the Year five times by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA). Evelyn retired from teaching and coaching at Crim Comprehensive High School in 2002 but continued to tutor juniors and seniors in mathematics at Carver High School until 2009.

Evelyn was married to the late Willie Cook Jr. for 48 years. She is a proud mother and grandmother. As a devoted member of Smyrna Word of Life Baptist Church, she serves as a Shepherd’s Keeper and is part of the Mothers’ Board.

Evelyn has been an active member of the Miles College Atlanta Alumni Chapter for many years, holding various positions, including Assistant Secretary and Picnic Coordinator. She also played a key role as Hospitality Coordinator for the 2013 National Convention in Atlanta. Evelyn is a member of the American Bridge Association, she served as Vice President of the Metropolitan Atlanta Bridge Unit, Financial Secretary of the University Duplicate Club, and a Director of the American Bridge Association. She was a member of the Black Pearl Social Bridge Club for 42 years.

Evelyn leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Eric Lars (Karen) Cook; two granddaughters, Erin LaVie Cook and Keisha G. (Trey) Scott; two sisters, Gloria Williams and Phyllis Alexander; two nieces, Roxanne Trammell and Cynthia Williams; along with a host of beloved family and friends.

Services can be streamed on Facebook at Keath Jackson Page and Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Garden's Page.