Evangelist Barbara Carrol Cook

Well, my beloved family and friends, if you are reading this, it means that my time here on this side of glory has come to an end. But let not your hearts be troubled, for I have only transitioned from labor to reward, from earthly dwelling to my eternal home with the Lord. What a joy it is to know that my name was written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and my journey was ordered by the steps of the Almighty. I, Barbara Carol Cook, was born on a chilly winter’s day, February 28, 1942, in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, to my dear parents, Lynn and Susan Cook. The Lord blessed me with a rich heritage of love, wisdom, and faith, nurtured in a home where family was cherished and God was glorified. From the very beginning, I knew that my life would be dedicated to service—both to my family and to the Kingdom of God. My formative years were spent in the classrooms of Crane High School, where my love for learning took root. That love led me to Crane Teachers College, where I obtained my teaching degree. Education was more than a profession for me—it was a calling, a ministry in its own right. I spent over 43 years in the field, shaping young minds and instilling in them the power of knowledge and the strength of character. Though I bore no children of my own, God graced me with thousands— students who found in me a mother, a mentor, and a guiding light. To every child who ever sat in my classroom, to every young heart I ever encouraged, know this: You were loved. You mattered. And I was honored to be a part of your journey. My spiritual journey began at an early age at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, where I first gave my heart to the Lord. As seasons changed, the Lord led me to Mt. Carmel Holiness Church, where I was blessed to serve under the steadfast leadership of the late Reverend James F. Hargrove, a true shepherd of God’s people who instilled in me a deep passion for service. As the Lord continued and encouragement. children at the daycare center. glory. to order my steps, I later served faithfully under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Overseer Pastor Donald Coleman. Yet, my journey was not complete until the Lord led me to Corinthian Temple Church of God in Christ, where under the anointed guidance of Bishop David Todd Whitley, I found my final spiritual assignment. There, I served with love and devotion on the Mothers Board and Pastoral Care Board, pouring into the lives of those who needed wisdom, strength, Outside of my ministry and work, I found joy in the simple pleasures of life. I delighted in reading, teaching, giving, and of course, dining out! MacArthur’s and Red Lobster held a special place in my heart, but oh, when my niece would take me to Red Stone in Oakbrook, IL, I found the cornbread and ribs to be a little taste of heaven on earth! And how I cherished my days at the Oak Park Arms, where I was embraced as family and found new ways to share my love for reading with the Now, as I take my rest, I do so with peace, knowing that I have run my race and kept the faith. I was preceded in death by my beloved parents, Lynn & Susan Cook, six brothers, and six sisters. And though I have left this world behind, I leave my love and legacy in the hearts of those I hold dear. To my sister, Frances “Joe” Scott—oh, how I have loved you. I will miss our cherished Sunday calls, our laughter, and the way we would talk about everything and nothing at all. To my many nieces and nephews—continue to walk in love and faith, knowing that I am watching over you. A special thank you to my dear nieces and caregivers, Dee-Dee and Charise, for being so good to me and caring for me with such love and dedication. To my God-son, Elder Dante (Towanda) Perkins Sr., and my God-daughter, Shelia McFowler—thank you for being a part of my life’s journey. To my best friend, Kathy Allison—our bond was a gift from God. To my Corinthian Temple Church of God in Christ family and the multitude of friends who have walked this journey with me—I thank you. I have loved deeply, served humbly, and lived fully. And now, my soul rejoices! For I am with the Lord, where every tear is wiped away, where joy knows no bounds, and where I will forever praise His name. Don’t weep for me too long, but rather, celebrate the life God allowed me to live. And most of all, keep running your race so that when your time comes, we will meet again in With love eternal, 

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