Martha Ann Cook

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 23, 1933, Martha dedicated her life to her family, community, and a lifelong passion for education and helping others. After raising her children, she returned to college to earn her degree in education. She channeled her love for teaching into the Davenport, Iowa public school system, where she inspired young minds as a beloved third grade teacher.

After moving from Bel Air, Maryland, to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2006 to be closer to her grandchildren, Martha became an active member of the Newcomers Club and P.E.O. Chapter AK Alabama. Through her active involvement with P.E.O. Sisterhood, she championed women’s education, assisting countless women in obtaining or returning to higher education to transform their lives.

Martha was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca Cook. She is survived by her husband, Tom Cook; son, Mark Cook and his wife, Deborah; and grandchildren, Mason Cook (wife Janie and daughter Lucy) of Birmingham, Alabama, Ryan Cook of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and Jess Kizer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Martha Cook's honor to the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter AK Alabama, supporting the educational mission she cared for so deeply.