Ina Claire Cook

Ina Claire Queen Cook (93) passed peacefully on November 24, 2024. Born December 15, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Ina Elizabeth Summerour and Emory Lee Queen. Ina Claire grew up in the community of Between, Georgia, where she met and later married her life-long sweetheart, John Washington Cook, on July 1, 1951, at New Hope Methodist Church. Ina Claire graduated from Monroe High School in 1947 and attended Lagrange College. She was employed by Sears, Roebuck and Company in Atlanta, GA, and later co-owned and operated a credit union in Monroe, GA. She and John started Cookway Dairies in Walton County in 1958. They raised their young family as members of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church. Moving to Watkinsville, GA in 1973, Ina Claire procured a magnificent garden on their beloved property. She was also a proficient seamstress, crafter and cook. Devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren brought her great joy. They all were spoiled by her dedication. Holidays were a special time in her home, complete with festive decorations and delicious food on the table. She supported all her children’s activities by serving as a school volunteer, making costumes for dance recitals, assisting with 4-H Club projects, and cheering at athletic events. She also loved her UGA Bulldogs, rising early each game day to prepare amazing tailgates for family and friends, including her famous fried chicken and potato salad. Ina Claire was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, John W. Cook. Survivors include her children: James Lee Cook (Pam) of Atlanta, Ina Cook Hopkins (Jim) of Athens, Joy Cook Coleman (Phillip) of Atlanta, and Jon Barry Cook (Elaine) of Bogart; Grandchildren: James Lee Cook, Jr. (Bowen) of Memphis, John McDonald Cook (Chandler) of Atlanta, Ashley Hopkins Baughman (Kyle) of Roswell, Phillip Renal Coleman, Jr. (Brighton) of Atlanta, Patrick Ryan Coleman (Beverly) of Chattanooga, TN, McKenzie Claire Cook of Denver, CO, and Jack Wesley Cook of Athens; Great Grandchildren: Reid Harrison Baughman, Brooks Robert Baughman, Emery Anne Baughman, Eloise Summerour Cook, James Cromwell Cook, Kelly Cook Coleman, and Leo Lennon Coleman. Family members extend their deepest gratitude to all the exceptional caregivers at St. Mary’s Highland Hills Village - Memory Care, who surrounded Ina Claire with love for almost five years. May God bless and keep Ina Claire in love and bless all who were a cherished part of her life. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Lord and Stephens West, 1211 Jimmy Daniel Road, Watkinsville, GA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A private interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ina Claire and John W. Cook Memorial Endowment Fund, c/o Georgia 4-H Foundation, 306 Hoke Smith Annex, Athens, Georgia 30602. Lord and Stephens Funeral Homes, WEST, Watkinsville, GA will oversee arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com