Dr. Anna Lee Cooke

Dr. Cooke was born on February 14, 1923 in Jackson, Tennessee to the late Thurston and Effie Cage Lee. A beautiful life here on earth, one who touched and meant so much to so many, came to a close on Saturday, June 28, 2014, when she departed this life at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. She graduated from Merry High School in 1940, and from Lane College in 1944, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She received a Master of Library Science degree in 1955 from Atlanta University. She was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Lane College in 1993. She was married to James A. Cooke who preceded her in death in 1999. They were blessed with a happy marriage of 43 years and were the proud parents of one daughter. Dr. Cooke was an educator, working as a junior high school principal and a high school English teacher before becoming a high school librarian at Merry High School. She joined the staff at Lane College in 1963, serving the college for 25 years as an assistant librarian, Library Director and Director of Alumni Affairs and Public Relations. She served as a staff writer for the Tri-State Defender and the Metro-Forum newspapers, and also wrote articles for The Jackson Sun. Dr. Cooke chronicled the history of Lane College through the 1987 publication of her book, Lane College: Its Heritage and Outreach 1882- 1982. In recognition of her efforts in preserving the history of Lane, the college dedicated the Dr. Anna Lee Cooke Archives room. Her recently published book, I Said It My Way, featuring a collection of news articles about life and times in Jackson, TN, is now available. She was a member of the Jackson (TN) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a member of the Jackson (TN) Chapter of Links, Inc. She was an active member and leader in both organizations and in many other community service organizations and boards. She has been cited in many publications and has received numerous awards and honors. She joined the St. Joseph's Catholic Church as a child and then joined the St. Paul C.M.E. Church where she was an active member for over 50 years. Dr. Cooke is survived by her daughter, Elsie Cooke Holmes; son-in-law, Clarence H. Holmes, Jr.; sister, Frances Lee Jones; special cousin, Vera Cage Brooks; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, caregivers, and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 5th from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the funeral home. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5-7 p.m., at the St. Paul C.M.E. Church. She will also lie in state at the church Sunday from 1-2 p.m., followed by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Links, Inc. ceremonies. Live webcasting of the service will be available on our website at www.stephenson-shaw.com starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, by clicking on her obituary.

Dr. Anna Lee Cooke

February 14, 1923 - June 28, 2014