Virginia Nolen Cook

Our loving mother and grandmother, Virginia Nolen Cook, entered heaven on January 23, 2025. Mom, or “Mimi” will always be remembered as the most giving, loving, and selfless example of a Christian lady and family matriarch. With an open heart, open arms, and an open kitchen she was the “glue” that held our family together and will be incredibly missed.

Virginia was born and raised in Waxahachie, Texas, and is the oldest of four children. A 1949 graduate of Waxahachie High School, she attended North Texas State University for three semesters before family finances brought her home. She worked in Dallas until her marriage to Hermon in 1953 when the newlyweds moved to Sulphur Springs. They returned to Waxahachie in 1955 to join the family Ford business.

In 1958, work moved Virginia and Hermon to Memphis, TN where she enjoyed Tennessee living, met lifelong friends, and welcomed her two children into the family. Active in Eudora Baptist Church and Memphis clubs, it was a fondly remembered time in her life.

She and Hermon returned “home” to Richardson, Texas in 1972 where she lived the rest of her life near family and friends. She was active in the First Baptist Church, raised her children, and fulfilled a lifelong dream of finishing her college degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude from North Texas State University (now University of North Texas) with a degree in education. She worked as a substitute teacher, guidance counselor, and real estate agent until 1980, then as inside sales and secretary until retiring in 1988. In retirement, Virginia and Hermon traveled the globe extensively, something she genuinely enjoyed and was finally able to experience.

Virginia spent most of her life centered on family, friends, and church. The ultimate homemaker, she balanced and excelled at working, raising children, spoiling grandchildren, hosting visitors at her home and caring for her parents and in-laws. An excellent cook and baker, she could always be counted on to have a kitchen full of delicious desserts. Mimi will most fondly be remembered with a big smile, giving a hug and offering cookies and cake! It would be hard to imagine a more dedicated, selfless, and giving Christian woman; she lovingly welcomed everyone, and she leaves a giant hole in our hearts and family. We take comfort in knowing that she is still smiling and watching all of us from Heaven.

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years Hermon C Cook Jr., her parents Henry and Ruth Nolen, as well as her sisters Martha and Betty, and brother Jim. She is survived by her children Hermon (and Michele) Cook of Georgia, Rosemary (and Kelly Atkins) Cook of Texas, grandchildren Christopher and Michael (and Brenda) Adcock, Julianna, Jacqueline and Ryan Cook and Hannah Harkrider as well as her beloved nieces and nephews.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”