Sandra L Cooke

Sandra Louise Watley Cooke went to her heavenly home on February 10, 2022, in Wichita Falls, TX. She was the first born to Frank Watley, Jr. and Doris Anderson Watley Smith in Italy, Texas on July 7, 1949. She received her primary education in Italy, Texas and was one of the first to be integrated along with her brother, Glen Watley, into the school district. Later in the 1990’s, they were recognized by the City of Italy for being a pioneer of Italy ISD education. Sandra graduated in Arizona from Gila Bend High School in 1968 of where she met the love of her life, Earnest R. Cooke, Sr. She furthered her education by attending Santa Barbara Community College in Secretarial & Clerical.

Sandra and Earnest were united in marriage on December 21, 1969, in Fort Worth, Texas during his military career in U.S. Air Force for over 21 years traveling across the country and overseas. To this union two wonderful children were born.

After 20 years of employment as a psychiatric nurse’s aide in the adolescent unit, she retired from the North Texas State Hospital in 1999. During her time of service with the state, she received several accolades and Nurse’s Aide of the Year in1992.

Sandra spent her retirement years enjoying the things she loved the most: spoiling her grandbabies; crafts and gardening; spending time with family in all aspects near and far; being involved at Antioch Baptist Church with the women’s missionary, choir, serving as decorations and photography coordinator. She took special pleasure with the youth of the church by conducting arts & crafts, the renovation of the nursery and other event activities. In 2019, she became a deaconess of the church along with her husband.

Sandra was part of community organizations such as the Red Hat Society of Wichita Falls and the Progressive Women’s Club and of course #1 Cheerleader of her grandkids and their teammates.

Sandra was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her but especially her husband, Earnest.

Sandra is preceded in death by her grandmother, Agnes Watley, who raised her, and eldest grandchild, Macy Cooke.

She leaves her cherished memories to her husband of 52 years, Earnest R. Cooke, Sr., daughter, Charlotte Cooke of Aubrey, TX; son, Ernie Cooke, Jr., and his wife, Traci Cooke of Wichita Falls, TX; grandchildren Braxton Bowie of Stillwater, OK; Marley Cooke of Wichita Falls, TX; Christopher Crawford of Rochester, NY; Mia Cooke of Burkburnett, TX; Atlea Cooke and Kyler McCain of Wichita Falls, TX and Jeremiah “JJ” Cooke of Aubrey, TX. and expecting great-grandson of Mia Cooke; father, Frank Watley, Jr. and Dot Wilson of Lexington, NC; mother, Doris Anderson Watley Smith; brothers, Glen and wife Judy Watley of Chandler, AZ; Vicky Watley of Italy, TX; sisters, Janet Lovette, Pat Watley, and Valerie Anderson of High Point, NC.; host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, in laws and friends.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?

My help comes from The LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not

let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed,

He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you – The LORD is your shade at your right hand,

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life;

The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalms 121 NIV