Elma Elizabeth "Betty" Cook, 96, of Charleston, South Carolina, died peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025.
Betty Cook was born Nov. 25, 1928 in Hamlet to Scott Wilburn Williams and Elma Melinda Wilson.
She married Doran Edward Cook Jr. on Aug. 19, 1946, in Hamlet. Betty obtained her Certificate of High School Equivalency on Aug. 19, 1966 and went on to attain an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Richmond Community College (RCC), formally Richmond Technical Institute, in 1970.
Betty Cook worked for over 20 years at Richmond Community College as a library technical assistant, a job she truly loved. Doran was a bi-vocational Baptist minister who pastored Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Rockingham for over 30 years while he also worked with CSX Transportation (railroad) for 39 years, as a master electrician.
She and her husband, Doran, both retired in January 1991 and moved to Charleston, South Carolina, to be near their children and grandchildren. Doran passed away on May 9, 2020.
While the wife of a Baptist minister, Betty was an integral part of church activities. She formed many lifelong friendships within the church and kept up with many of those friends up to her death.
Up to the last days of her life, Betty still talked lovingly about her time at RCC and at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. In retirement, she enjoyed cooking for her family and actively prepared her own meals well into her 90s. For many years, she helped her son, D. Edward Cook, run his business.
Betty was a woman of strong character, who weathered many personal storms in her long life. She was deeply spiritual and would do anything for anyone in need. Betty was a faithful servant of God, who fervently prayed for others.
In her final days, while being visited by a local minister, Betty was asked, “How can I pray with you, and for you?” Betty requested she pray for “The children. All over the world — but especially the children in Gaza.” Even when faced with her own death, Betty was thinking of the plight of others.
Betty is predeceased by her husband, Doran Edward Cook; and grandson, Doran Edward Matthew Cook.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Walker; son, Doran Edward Cook; granddaughter, Katharine Elizabeth Cook; and great-granddaughter, Shayleigh Elizabeth Cook. Betty will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives she touched with her generosity and selflessness.
A service will be held at a later date in Rockingham at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Donations in Betty’s honor may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 95, Cordova, NC 28330.
