Ila Josephine Cook

Ila Josephine “Meme” Cook, age 92, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on February 21, 1933, in the same city she called home throughout her life, Jo was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose warmth and dedication touched all who knew her.

Jo was the daughter of John P. Ellis and Fannie Mae Ellis (affectionately known as Nanny). She grew up in Jacksonville alongside her brothers Charles A. Smith and Johnnie P. Ellis. Her early years were rooted in family and faith—values that would guide her throughout her life.

She married Herman R. Cook and together they built a loving home filled with laughter, care, and enduring devotion for almost 60 years. Though Herman preceded her in death, their bond remained a cherished part of Jo’s life story.

Professionally, Jo dedicated herself to hard work and service across several roles. She worked at Krystal Restaurants and Montgomery Wards before spending over two decades with Duval County Public Schools. Her commitment to her work reflected the same steadfastness she brought to every aspect of her life.

Family was at the heart of everything Jo did. She is lovingly remembered by her son John Beach (Margaret) of Memphis, Tennessee; her daughter Gail Johnson (Jeff) of Jacksonville, Florida; grandson Herman Beach (Joanna) of Jacksonville; granddaughters Brenda Beach of Jacksonville, Crystal Beach of Memphis, and Ashley Johnson of Jacksonville; as well as four great-grandchildren: Cheyenne, Alexandra, Mason, and Troy.

Jo found joy in simple pleasures—cooking hearty meals for loved ones, keeping a tidy home with pride, solving puzzles and playing solitaire on the computer. She enjoyed watching game shows on television and looked forward to bus trips to events like Mule Day. Her faith was an important part of her life; she was a longtime member of Wesconnett Baptist Church and later Sonshine Baptist Church.

A celebration of Life honoring Jo will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida on Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 11:00AM. Jo’s interment will be next to Herman R. Cook on what would have been their 73rd wedding anniversary.

Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured with love and care. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire kindness and devotion in others with tender loving care.