Rosemary G. Cooke

Rosemary Graddick Cooke, passed away January 30, 2022 peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She was born on January 18, 1932 in Birmingham and graduated from Phillips High School in 1949. Soon after, Rosemary met Jim, her husband and they were married for 63 years at the time of his death. After raising three children together, she decided to pursue a career in teaching at North Birmingham Elementary School. Rosemary found joy spending time with her friends and family. She was a member of ALEA (literary club) after retirement, a member of many bridge clubs, and especially enjoyed spending time with The Sand Dollar Dollies.

Rosemary is preceded in death by her husband James M. Cooke, her parents Wallace W. Graddick and Myra McAnally Graddick, her step-mother Mary Graddick, and her special aunts. Rosemary is survived by her children Jimmy Cooke (Candy), Myra Leigh Gerontakis (Ernie) and John Cooke (Janet) her grandchildren: Jay Cooke (Dee), Jackson Cooke, Spiro Gerontakis, Peter Wallace Gerontakis, Jeremy Cooke, Justin Cooke, and Julie Cooke, great grandchildren: Beckett Cooke and Walker Cooke. Also left to treasure the memory of Rosemary is her brother Wallace Graddick aka Uncle Brother (Barbara) and by several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Adoration Hospice and the team of doctors and nurses in the HOAA at Brookwood Hospital.

The family will receive friends at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood on Thursday, February 3rd beginning at ten o’clock in the morning with the funeral service following at eleven o’clock with Drew Clayton officiating. The burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials in memory of Rosemary may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church 2901 Columbiana Road, Birmingham, AL 35216 or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Alabama.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the COOKE family.