Mrs. Janice Mae Strickland Cooke

Mother joined Jesus, and daddy, Albert Marion (Jack) Cooke her family and friends who had gone before her Friday evening November, 24. She was surrounded by her loved ones. Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: Born in Carroll County August 15, 1925 to very proud and hardworking mountain parents, Arvala and David Strickland. She was the 5th child of 10 children. Mother started her career at age 17 and begun working at Spencer’s incorporated. At the time of her forced retirement she was 55. At age 57, Mr. Flip Rees was helping mother with a suit for daddy. He related to her his desire to open a “high end” clothing store. He asked her to manage and be the buyer for the new Addition. Mother had clients from almost every state and was so fond of the relationships she made during her 31 years with Rees’s. She praised Gene Rees’s ability for his honorable leadership. She became to adore him as a son. Mother was so fortunate to be loved by many. Her grandson, Brandon was always on call for any need she had. He took care of her just as daddy would have done himself. A special niece, Judy Gammons continued to do her hair in her home when mother could no longer go to a salon. Judy also provided her with meals on a regular basis. Her round the clock caregivers are heaven sent angels. We wish to thank Betty Sechrist, MaryJo Reynolds, Debbie Casstevens and Betty Stevens from our hearts for the loving care they gave. Mother is survived by her devoted and loving daughter, Marian and adoring son-in-law, Jim Hicks. Devoted grandson, Brandon and Susie Cooke. Her “heart” grandchildren Rebecca and Erik Spanberg and David and Julie Hicks; great grandchildren, Jessica Cooke and fiancé, Amadeus, Drew Cooke, Conor Cooke, Katharine Spanberg, Eliza Spanberg and Cooper Hicks. She is survived by her loving sister, Wilma Bowman and husband, Burlie Bowman. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brothers, John, Jesse and Chester Strickland; her sisters, Vera Steele, Antoinette Paul, Merle Harris, Dorothy Cole and Clara Grider. Thanksgiving was a time of such rejoicing. We were all together and she had a grand time. Visitation will be held at Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy Sunday, November 26 from 6 until 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at Moody Funeral Home at 1:00 pm Monday, November 27, 2017 conducted by the Rev. Mickey Cogdill. Burial services will follow at Skyline Memorial Gardens. Memorials are requested for the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, mother’s favorite charity and Bannertown Baptist building fund. We wish to thank everyone, all friends, and church family for their generous support during this very difficult time. Online condolences may be made at Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

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