Susie Mae Smith Cook

August 2, 1946 – December 2, 2025

With deep love and heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of Susie Mae Smith Cook who went home to be with the Lord on December 2nd. Susie was born on August 2, 1946, and for 79 years she blessed this world with her gentle spirit, her nurturing heart, and her unwavering devotion to her family.

Susie was married to Benny Cook, for 62 years - a lifelong partnership that stood as a testament to friendship and enduring love. Together they built a home filled with laughter, acceptance, and warmth.

She was the proud mother of three daughters: Stacy, Shannon, and her late daughter Sharon, whom she now joins in eternal rest.

A homemaker by choice and a caretaker by calling, Susie dedicated her life to caring for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless other little ones who passed through her doors over the years. She was soft-spoken, gentle, and possessed a calming presence that made everyone, especially children, feel safe and loved.

Susie had a gift for making a house feel like home. Her kitchen was the heart of the family, filled with the smell of her amazing cooking and the comfort of holiday gatherings she faithfully hosted year after year. Her door was always open; you could stop by anytime and be met with a smile, a warm meal, and the feeling that you truly belonged.

In the last decade of her life, Susie faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s, a cruel illness that slowly took her memories and the pieces of her motherly personality that had defined her so deeply. Even so, her family remained devoted to her, honoring the remarkable woman she had always been.

Susie leaves behind a legacy of love, gentleness, and family unity that will carry on through the generations who adored her.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 3:30 PM in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Mrs. Cook is preceded in death by father, Edgar (Jim) Smith; mother, Bertha Lou Gilstrap Smith; daughter, Sharon Cook Spiva; sisters, Jimmie Lou Smith Jones, and Judy Nell Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Benjamin (Benny) Cook of Cleveland, daughters, Stacy (Tony) Bennett of Flowery Branch, Shannon (David) Vandiver of Cleveland; grandchildren, Crystal Dearing, Jessica (Jake) Haynes, Benji (Mary) Bennett, Tonya (Seth) Hester, Tristan Spiva, Shalyn Vandiver, Shaylie Vandiver; great-grandchildren, Chase Mize, Jayden Hoopaugh, Konnor Haynes, Skylar Haynes, Skylan Dearing, Dallas Dearing, Braitley Dearing, Emma Haynes, Maverick Dearing, London Hester, Bennett Hester; aunt Jessie Hanes of Cleveland; and best friend, Donna Graham of Flowery Branch.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association located at 41 Perimeter Center E #550, Atlanta, Ga 30346.

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