Stormy Gail Cook

Stormy Gail Ratliff Cook was born November 27, 1953, to Burl Junior Ratliff and Oma Fay St. Clair Ratliff in Grundy, Virginia. She passed away September 25, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Stormy shared 53 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, Cecil Eugene “Gene” Cook, Jr. Together, Stormy and Gene enjoyed fishing and cooking, traveling to spend time with family, and welcoming anyone who stopped by for a visit with laughter, stories, and a little wisdom along the way.

She was a devoted wife and mother to her children, as well as to any child who needed her. Those of us blessed enough to truly know Stormy understood one thing: if we couldn’t handle the truth, we probably shouldn’t go see Stormy! She had a unique way of getting right to the point, and you always knew exactly where you stood with her.

It was tough love—the kind that hurts because it should. And though her words could cut you like a knife, she would be the first one to stop the bleeding.

Stormy loved each and every one of us so fiercely that she refused to live as a watered-down version of herself simply to make others more comfortable. She was unapologetically Stormy—honest, strong, loving, protective, and completely herself. Those who knew her best would tell you there was no one quite like her.

Stormy was preceded in death by her parents, Burl Junior Ratliff and Oma Fay St. Clair Ratliff; two sisters, Yolanda Sue Ratliff and Jonnie Carol Ratliff Heath; her brother, Benny Charles Whitt; and her beloved grandson, Colton James Cook.

She leaves behind the love of her life and husband of 53 years, Cecil Eugene Cook, Jr.; two sons, James Steven Cook and Shannon Cecil Eugene Cook (Kristi); two daughters, Stormy Leigh Sullivan (Kevin) and Dawn Marie Bretzke (the late Mike Bretzke); her surviving siblings, Sharon “Kay” Whitt Colangelo and Jenny Lynn Ratliff Hmelewsky; one brother, Rodney Dale Ratliff; and a family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy.

Her grandchildren include Steven Keith Cook (Stephanie), Emileigh Bryant Smelley (Sage), Jessica Bryant Marlowe (Brett), Abigale Sullivan Ray (Christian), Katie Grace Bryant, Samantha Caroline Cook, Noah Eugene Cook, Anna Bretzke Lenoir (Phillip), Jacob Bretzke, and Isabella Marie Sullivan.

She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Jayce Cook, Karlie Faye Cook, Gracie Mae Cook, Willow Rena Cook, Suede and South Smelley, Stori and Bryant Marlowe, and Maddy, Jett, and Casey Ray, who will carry her love and memory forward.

Stormy’s love was never quiet or halfway. It was strong, honest, protective, and present in everything she did. She gave her family laughter when they needed it, truth when they needed direction, and comfort when life became difficult. Her presence made an impression that will not fade, and her memory will continue to live in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Though she is no longer with us in person, Stormy’s voice, laughter, strength, and love will remain part of her family forever. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Family visitation will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home, beginning at 11:30 a.m., with visitation for friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m., with burial following at Bethel Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Noah Cook, Jayce Cook, Jacob Bretzke, Artis Hyche, Doug Johnson, Smitty Smith, Chucky Whitt, and Galen Blackwell.