A TRIBUTE TO MARY ELIZABETH FURRH COOKE

Jan 7, 1923 – Nov. 13, 2018

Mary Elizabeth Furrh Cooke was born in Marshall, Texas on the 7 ^th day of January, 1923.

Parents James Brooke "Boy" Furrh and Margaret Hagen "Monnny" Furrh were pleased to welcome their precious Mary. Then three years later Mary welcomed a baby brother, James Brooke Furrh, Jr., Joined Mary, her Father and Mother. Mary was always the apple of her Father's eye. She looked up to him—he was intelligent, gentle, and kind. Her Mother doted on her from the ay she was born, such a close relationship with the darling daughter she adored. Mary grew up loving GOD, her family, and her country. Her parents stressed the importance of discipline, respect, and integrity. They taught her high morals and values and how to get through life. Through the good times as well as heartbreak and strife. Mary attended school in Elysian Fields for most of her school years, then transferred to Ward-Belmont all-girl school in Nashville, Tennessee, --far from the home she held dear. Mary was very athletic and enjoyed playing tennis and basketball, But always staying focused on academics—the most important after all. Mary spent her freshman year at college attending the National Park Seminary at Forest Glen, Maryland, located next to Washington, D.C., where she met and dated the very youngest Congressman. The next year she came back to Texas to attend UT, She was back in GOD's country where she really wanted to be. In the spring of 1944 came a big change in Mary's life, she and Jack Blocker Ware dated, fell in love, and became man and wife. They were blessed with their firstborn son, John Blocker Ware III, on March 20, 1948 then three years later James Furrh Ware made March 11, 1951, his birthdate. They shared 32 years together as husband and wife, and then went their separate ways to get on with their lives. She was brokenhearted, but three years later met another man, Sam Cooke won her heart and for 17 years they shared a wedding band. Mary is blessed with seven grandchildren to fill her heart, Amy Ann, John Vincent, David Furrh, and Jennifer Brooke to start, Then James Robert, Matthew Golden, and Jase Blocker came along, To carry on the family name and fill her heart with song. Years go by and time marches on, Mimi's grands are all grown with children of their own. Great grands brighten up her life just like her children and grandchildren do. Such a wonderful family to love makes life seem anew. Amy found true "Love" when she married James and they have their little "Loves", Carolann Grace and Adeline Rose, John Vincent Married Jennifer (Boo) and they have John Blocker Ware IV, as the family continues to grow. Brooke married Seth Michel and they have Sarah Elisabeth and Samuel Seth,John and Sue Ann's children and grandchildren adding to the Family tree of Mary Elizabeth. David married Natalee and they have Scarlett Jean and Sydnee Jane (twin girls). Bobby married Shelby and they have Payton Analese and Sutton Grace to complete their world. Matt married Amanda and they have Matilyn Elizabeth and bKaleb Robert to cherish and love, And Jase has Landon Blocker and Zachary Knox (Jim and Linda's children and grandchildren), all blessings from above. Mary Loves the South and especially Robert E. Lee, She loves studying the Civil War and all our history. She's a die-hard Republican from the word go, she's Presbyterian and Republican and that's all you need to know. She's such a special lady—so nice and kind to everyone, she's lived a happy, well-rounded life and has had a lot of fun. Mary is very Loving and generous and kind, If you searched for the world over, no truer Southern Belle would You ever find. Lovingly written for my wonderful friend, Mary Elizabeth Furrh Cooke, that I love so much! By Rita Lawless Payne

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday November 16, 2018 at Elysian Fields Cemetery.

Many thanks to Mary's Precious caregivers Earnestene Roberson, Helen Dawson, Emma Jackson, Carla Davis, Jacque Kirkland, Shawnte Martin, And Heartsway Hospice.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Mary.

Golden Rule Presbyterian Church, Elysian Fields Cemetery