Irene Cook

Irene Cook, daughter of the late Quinton T. Thomas and Margaret Cook Cancer, was born February 24, 1953, in Oxford, MS.

Irene accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor R.W. Fleming. There she served as the Chairperson of the Homecoming Committee for approximately six years. She remained a faithful member until her death.

“Bobbie Jean,” as she was affectionately called by her family, received her primary education from Jordan Chapel school, Gordon Elementary, and Central High School. She graduated from Lafayette High School in 1972.

After graduating, she attended Memphis School of Commerce in Memphis, TN to study Business Administration.

Her employment journey included Angelo’s Restaurant, The Cream Cup, Emerson, and Baptist Memorial Hospital – North MS. After suffering from sudden issues with her health, Irene was no longer able to work.

In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling, taking cruises, and spending leisure time with her friends. Irene was an avid sports fan and could always be found watching any kind of sports games at her cousin Dianne’s house.

Irene was small in stature and her heart was genuine but she was also a straight forward person. Therefore, she did not mind telling a person exactly what she thought.

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, Irene answered her Master’s call, trading her earthly life for life everlasting with her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Oh how she will be missed by those who loved her most.

Left to cherish her memories are her brothers, Isaac (Leslie) Cancer and Larry Cook both of Albany, NY; sister, Kim Halliburton of Indianapolis, IN, special cousin who was more like her sister, Dianne Young; stepmother, Maude Thomas of Gary, IN; aunts, Alfredia Hamilton of Oxford, MS, Linda Schoiro and Jeanetta Redmond both of Sarasota, FL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Preceding Irene in death were her parents; siblings, Gaston Cancer, Jr., Bernice Cancer, and Rosie Cancer; sister-in-law, Jewel Cook; and aunts, Fannie Couch, Malinda Brister, and Mary Lucille Fludd.