Billye Kearney Cook

Billye Kearney Cook, age 92, of Beaumont, TX, formerly of Jackson, MS, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2020 in her home in Beaumont. Billye was born in Cleveland, MS on July 26, 1927 to Daisy Wiggins Kearney and Joseph Durwood Kearney. She grew up in Cleveland, the youngest of eight children, and graduated from Delta State College with a degree in Elementary Education. February 14, 1948 marked the beginning of a 61-year adventure in marriage with her beloved, Jack T. Cook of Indianola, MS.

Billye was a dedicated and devoted teacher. Her teaching career began in Skeene, MS, and in Kingsville, TX. The last 40 years of her career were spent teaching 4th grade at Sykes Elementary and Woodville Heights Elementary in Jackson, MS.

Billye was a talented gardener, artist and seamstress. Her love and passion for fervent prayer and guilting opened the door for her ministry of making and sharing “prayer quilts”. Her quilt ministry began at her church in Jackson MS, Colonial Heights Baptist Church. So, when she moved to Beaumont in 2012, at the age of 85, it was a natural calling for her to continue that ministry at Westgate Memorial Baptist Church. She was actively involved in her Sunday School class and loved her “Just Girls” group.

Billye leaves behind her three sons, Bob (Nancy) of Boise, ID, Bill (Cheri) of Beaumont, TX, and Ken (Anne) of Starkville, MS, as well as five grandchildren; Nathan (Stephanie) Cook, Melissa (Justin) Sweat, Austin Cook, Allison Cook, Becky (Kyle) Knori. She also leaves behind two precious great-grandchildren, Camden Cook and Cohen Cook, along with nieces and nephews.

Although we are unable to come together at this time in a Celebration of Billye’s life, we look forward to gathering with family and friends at a later date. She will be laid to rest at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson, MS.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Senior Adult Ministries of Westgate Memorial Baptist Church, 6220 Westgate Dr. Beaumont, TX 77706.