Juanita (Nita) Ann Cook, 84, passed away peacefully in her home on the evening of Monday, May 13, 2019. Nita was born on February 1, 1935 to Gus and Ermond Byrne in Dallas, TX. She was one of nine siblings, and named after a close family friend and caregiver. Gus and Ermond were preachers and moved their family several times to pastor churches throughout the state of Texas. Nita graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in the heart of Houston and finished a handful of college courses in her early married years. Nita worked at the phone company for many years before resigning to become a full time mom. Later, she worked to provide billing services to her local water board community.
It was during a high school math class that Nita noticed a handsome and rather smart tow-headed fella named Jon. He asked her to prom that year, and so began a life-long love affair. Nita married Jon Philip Cook on September 25, 1954 at the age of 19 and they were married for 58 years. Their first child was born a year later on July 4th. Within 20 years, they had 11 children, 10 of whom survived to adulthood: 7 sons and 3 daughters. “Just like Job,” Nita commented at the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Nita was preceded in death by her husband Jon, siblings: Margie, Marie, Wanda, Joe, Billy, Paul, Dale and three sons: Donny, Jonny, and David. She is survived by her children: Philip, Joe, Judy, Jesse, Jeff, Janie, Jenny, and Jason; and many daughters-in law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nita was a faithful Christian in God’s Church, a devoted wife, a caring mother, a beloved friend, and of remarkable character. She is and will continue to be greatly and dearly missed.
She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:27-30
