Rose Irene (Burgess) Cook

In Loving Memory of Rose Burgess Cook
May 18, 1932 - July 26, 2023
Rose Burgess Cook joined family and friends in Heaven on July 26th, 2023 and touched the
lives of many during her time on earth. She was born in the Othello community of Ashe County,
NC on May 18th, 1932. One of seven children, her parents were George Oscar and Goldie
Miller Burgess. Following her mother’s death, she was raised by Oscar and her stepmother,
Millie Lee Burgess.
Rose had a profound love for God, which was evident in every aspect of her life. She lived her
days with unwavering faith, finding strength and comfort in her spiritual beliefs. Her devotion to
God was an inspiration to those around her, and she shared her faith through acts of kindness
and compassion. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of West Jefferson early in
her married life, and joined Greenway Baptist Church in Boone in 1969.
One of Rose’s greatest joys was spending time with family. She was a devoted daughter, sister,
spouse, mother, and grandmother, always putting their needs before her own. Affectionately
known as “Granna”, her love and support were steadfast, creating a warm and nurturing home
for all. She had a competitive spirit, loved a good hand of cards or bocce ball and loved
watching golf and the weather.
Maintaining close friendships was another cherished part of Rose's life. She had a gift for
forming deep and lasting connections with others, making friends feel valued and appreciated.
Her laughter, sense of humor, and genuine interest in others brightened every gathering, and
she cherished the memories made with her dear friends.
Traveling adventures across the country and abroad with her husband, John, was something
that Rose deeply cherished. Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures with the
love of her life, brought immense joy to her heart. Their journeys together were filled with love,
laughter, and shared experiences that created a bond that would last a lifetime.
Rose was a woman of great depth, and her love for God, her dedication to her family, her
cherished friendships, and the adventures she embarked on with her husband have left an
indelible mark on the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rose is survived by her three children: Dan Cook and wife, Fairley of Raleigh; Allison Hodges
and husband, John of Boone; Jan Deckert, and husband, Jeff of Raleigh; six grandchildren,
Katie and Gill Hawkes of Charlotte, Ben and Hannah Cook of Charlotte, Daniel and Stacee
Hodges of Jefferson, JC Cook of Raleigh, Taylor Deckert of Sioux City, Iowa, and Ryan Deckert
of Boone; two great granddaughters Lizzie and Katalynn Hodges of Jefferson; sister Maude
Shatley of Ashe County; and brother Wayne Burgess, and wife, Becky of Ashe County; and
numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Daniel Cook; brothers George Burgess and
Robert Burgess; and sisters Hazel Barbour and Shirley Roten.
A service to celebrate the life of Rose will be held at Greenway Baptist Church at 880 Greenway
Rd. Boone, NC 28607 on Sunday, August 6th, 2023. Visitation will take place in the fellowship
room of the Family Life Center starting at 1pm. The celebration of life will begin at 2pm in the
sanctuary with Rev. Harold Bennett and Dr. David Luster will officiate.Family and friends are
invited to join in honoring her memory and remembering the joy and impact she brought to our
lives. A private burial service will take place at Ashelawn Memorial immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Amorem
Hospice and Palliative Care High Country Campaign, Wine To Water, American Cancer
Society’s Relay for Life, or the Ashe Sharing Center in Memory of Rose.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May she rest in
peace.

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