Kathleen Joy Cook

A memorial service will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South in Abilene, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. A Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service that same morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the same location. A private burial for the family will be held at a later date at Elliott-Hamil’s Garden of Memories Cemetery – Lawn Crypt Gardens.

Kathy was a native of Crowley, La, and was born to parents Delton and Dorothy (McDonald) Walters. She attended St. Michael Schools for many years, graduated from Crowley High School, attended USL in Lafayette, and later graduated from LSU in Shreveport, La. She married Ken Lyons of Crowley in 1968 and together had one son, Jason Lyons of Tyler, Tx. Kathy moved to Abilene, Tx in 1986, and there became a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She was employed by the State of Texas (Protective Services) for most of her career and worked for Cisco Junior College at the time of her retirement in 2005.

Kathy married Thomas Cook in 2000. She was a loving wife, mother, and Memaw. Her precious grandchildren will remember her Cajun gumbo and French toast. Her “mission” after retirement was researching family history (being a member of the West Texas Genealogical Society and other genealogical organizations in Louisiana). She was especially proud of her Cajun/Acadian heritage. She enjoyed travel & the outdoors, music, was involved in ranching with her husband, Tom, and active in volunteer work, particularly with Hendrick Hospice. Kathy became an enduring Abilene Eagle sports fan, following them through their many victories over the years. Her gentle, caring nature and love for family will certainly be missed.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Leonard Walters of Baton Rouge, La; her son, Jason Lyons of Tyler, Tx; and her sister, Glenda Walters of Crowley, La.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Cook of Abilene; brother, Donnie (Gail) Walters of Beach City, Tx; two step-daughters, Kristin (Jay) Daniel of Martindale, Tx, Kendra (Todd) Clark of Conroe, Tx; four grandchildren, Nate (Megan), Ben (Hannah), Kaelin, and Kassy; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and James. Kathy also has numerous surviving relatives in Florida, Alabama, Virginia, and Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105) or Holy Family Catholic Church (P.O. Box 5970, Abilene, Tx, 79608).