Vennie L. Cook

VENNIE LEE COOK, a virtuous woman, affectionately known to family and friends as “Ven, Vennie Ream, and Vera,” transitioned peacefully from labor to reward on November 29, 2020. VENNIE was born on February 14, 1933, in Talladega, Alabama, to the late Louie “Lury” and Lizzie Mae Cook. She was the third born of five sisters. As a young adult, she decided to relocate to give her children a better life and living environment, and so she followed her sisters Mary and Ophelia to the Nation’s Capital. She then began employment with Hot Shoppes; and retired from the Marriott Corporation, National Cathedral School for Girls, in 1995. She loved looking out of her apartment’s window while listening to gospel music. Often, she’d focus on a particular beat and then create her own gospel song and hum it nearly the entire day. One of her most favorite things to do was energetic walking. She would walk nearly three miles per day throughout Southeast Washington, DC. Her daughter, Barbara, would tease her by saying you’re “just like the mailman–rain or shine, you get your walk in!” She also spent time after retirement, volunteering to help cook for the elderly, participating in crafts, exercise, line dancing, and other activities at numerous senior centers. VENNIE traveled extensively throughout the U.S., the Bahamas and Bermuda. She lived a great life! She had a contagious laugh and smile. Soft spoken, mild tempered, easy going, she had the kindest and warmest heart, a loving demeanor and “oh did” she enjoy dancing and having good fun! Up until recently, she was still dancing and enjoying life to the best of her ability. VENNIE loved her family! She had a strong work ethic—her children were her motivation to get up daily and provide for them. She rarely missed a day of work. She dedicated herself to her children and granddaughter. She instilled not just love, but an institution of family values, respect, humility, integrity and good character. Her life at times may have been hard, but at the end she just wanted the best for her family. This is shown by her dedication, faith, and resilience which spoke volume and is manifested in her legacy. She was not a materialistic woman and she barely needed anything. One core value she kept and taught her granddaughter, Kimara was: “if you break a dollar, you put the change up!” VENNIE was so naturally “good” (and indisputably sincere) with offering compliments to family members and essentially anyone else. Her daughter, Connie, recalls a special and memorable conversation the two had when she was in her early teens. Connie, was wearing a bright colored shirt that she was not feeling fully comfortable or confident with—that is, until she asked her mother for an opinion. The exchange went something like this: “I’m not sure about this color on me; what do you think?” Her mother’s gently smiling reply, without missing a beat: “It looks good on you!...Every color looks good on you!” Thereafter, there was never any need to inquire. Connie “knew” (while smiling): As mother said many years ago: “Every Color Looks Good on You!" Thanks, Mother! VENNIE enjoyed talking on the telephone to her numerous friends. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren unconditionally. They affectionately called her “Mom, Mother, Grandma, and Nana.” Each Christmas she would bake each of her children and granddaughter her famous sweet potato pie, which was delicious and mouth-watering. Oh, how we will miss that! VENNIE remained a faithful and dedicated member of Matthews Memorial Baptist Church until her health began to decline. She joined Matthews under the leadership of the late Rev. R. V. Coger. She enjoyed her Tribe 2 members under the leadership of the late Deacon Milton Bullock and Deacon Frances Bullock. Each year she would sing with the Women’s Choir for Women’s Day and other special occasions. She listened daily to gospel music. Some of her favorites were “Rough Side of the Mountain” by Rev. F.C. Barnes, songs by Pastor Shirley Caesar, Rev. James Cleveland, and “I Am Redeemed” by Jessy Dixon –this particular song was her testimony. She enjoyed the many friendships she made over the years in the Barry Farms and Parkchester communities. VENNIE was preceded in death by her parents, Louie and Lizzie Mae Cook; sisters: Annie Bell Wilson(Clisby); Mary Lois Stamps; Mattie Lee Ashley (G.W.); and Ophelia Tinsley (Edward). She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her daughters, Barbara Cook and Connie Cook; son, James Cook. Her beloved only granddaughter, Kimara Scott; grandsons, Emmanuel Cook and Ethan Cook; great-granddaughters, Deara Scott and Kailin McDowell. Other special people in her life: niece, Alberta Cook (Charles) and nephew, Lewis Cook (Beverly); and a host of other loving nieces, nephews,(too many to name), cousins; extended family; special family friend, Shyletha “Bunny” Williams; and her long-time dear friend, Arline McGirt.

Tributes

Vennie L. Cook

February 14, 1933 - November 29, 2020