Boykins - On February 28, 2024, Hazel Mae Cooke, 92, passed in to the arms of Jesus at East Pavilion in Franklin, Virginia.  Hazel was born March 28, 1931 and raised in Newsoms, VA. She was the daughter of the late William A. Cook, Sr. and Lina Johnson Cooke. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Marvin L. Cook and William A. Cooke (W.A.), sister-in-law Betty C. Cook, sister-in-law Veronica L. Cooke, and great-nephew James Allen Peden.

She is survived by brothers, R. Randolph Cooke, James "Gomer" T. Cooke (Betty), and sister in law Peggy G. Cooke.  Hazel was different from most Aunts, never married, she treated all of her nieces and nephews like they were her own children and grandchildren. Therefore, she is also survived by nieces and nephews, Kenny Cooke (Sandra), Pam Woodard (Melvin), Wanda Donadio (Paul), Wayne Cooke, Cindy Council (Mark), Holly Ledbetter, Sandy Peden, WJ Porch (Amy), and James Thomas Cooke (Mandy); great nieces and nephews, Lindsay Cooke (Kelly), Kristen Packer (Jordan), Landon Woodard, Wrenn Woodard (Megan), Paul Donadio II, Sheree' Black (Tim), Allison Donadio, Alex Donadio, Alaina Donadio, Devin Kaiser (Matt), Dakota Council, Makenzie Ledbetter, Mayleigh Ledbetter, Jeffrey Peden, Jacob Peden, Kylie Cooke, and Kiptyn Cooke; and great-great nieces and nephews, Alec Cooke, Brynn Cooke, Jaxson Packer, Parks Packer, Levi Packer, Emmett Woodard, and Juliet Woodard.

Hazel graduated from Newsoms High School, June 7, 1948. She retired from Franklin Braid in Emporia, Virginia, where she spent almost 50 years of her career, as a machinist. She also worked for St. Regis Paper Co. and Narricot Industries. In her younger years she was an active member at Boykin's Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday school regular. Once she retired (well in to her 70s) she cared for her mother until she passed. Hazel loved her family and committed her life to being there for each and every one of them. Alongside her mother Lina, they seamlessly prepared a Sunday lunch every week. She made numerous desserts, eight-layer cakes were her specialty. This meal was not just for family. Each Sunday the house was bustling with friends, neighbors, and even friends of friends. Hazel welcomed everyone in to her home.

If you knew Hazel you knew she loved to read. It was nothing for her to read a book every few days. She also enjoyed country music, leisure walks, country drives, Christmas lights, concerts, and a good meal; don't skip the dessert!

A Funeral Service will be held at 11a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Wright Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Baugham officiating. Hazel loved red; please join us in wearing red or any bright color in her memory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the funeral home and will receive visitors at Randolph Cooke's residence during other times. There will be a committal service at Beechwood Cemetery in Boykins, VA, directly after the service. The family truly appreciates all of the love and support given to Hazel during her last year. Special thanks to the care team at Bon Secours - East Pavilion and Gentiva Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to a charity of your choice.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org