Gwendolyn Rose Cook

Gwendolyn Rose Cook, age 84, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024. Born on a snowy Easter Sunday, March 24, 1940, she began her life in Castor, Louisiana, where she would grow up and graduate from Castor High School in 1957. As the first-ever Miss Castor High, Gwen left a lasting legacy of grace and kindness in her hometown.

After high school, Gwen moved to Minden, Louisiana, where she lovingly raised her four daughters—Shelly, Stacey, and twins Jennifer and Jessica. Her life was marked by dedication to her family, community, and faith. Throughout her career, she held various jobs, ultimately retiring from her work with the State of Louisiana. But her true vocation was as a devoted mother and grandmother, roles she cherished above all.

Gwen’s heart was full of love for her family, and she especially adored her time as “Memaw.” She took great joy in cooking for her loved ones, creating cherished memories around her dining table where the family would gather to share meals, stories, and laughter. Christmas was a special time in the Cook household, with Gwen leading a tradition of singing carols and the beloved “12 Days of Christmas” with her children and grandchildren before opening gifts. These joyful moments remain treasured memories of love, laughter, and togetherness.

A passionate traveler, Gwen’s adventurous spirit took her to all 50 states, as well as parts of Europe and Canada. She documented these trips in beautiful photo books, preserving memories that her family will hold dear for generations. Her love for exploration was only matched by her deep connection to the people she shared those experiences with.

Gwen was known to everyone as a woman of unmatched kindness, gentleness, and warmth. She embodied the grace of a true Southern lady, always willing to lend a helping hand or bring comfort to those in need. Whether through a homemade meal or her compassionate spirit, she touched the lives of so many. Her positivity and gratitude were infectious, even in the face of life’s challenges, and she never let circumstances diminish her joyful outlook on life.

Her faith was her cornerstone. Gwen was a devoted member of First Baptist Minden, where she cherished her Sunday school class and the Sonrisers. In her later years, when illness kept her homebound, the love and care from her church family, particularly the youth group, brought her comfort and joy. Gwen’s deep love for Jesus gave her peace, and she looked forward to the day when she would be reunited with Him in Heaven, as reflected in her favorite verse, 2 Corinthians 5:8: “We are of good courage and are well pleased rather to become absent from the body and to make our home with the Lord.”

Gwen’s journey through life was beautifully supported by her dear friends, who showered her with love, visits, flowers, and meals during her battle with cancer. Each of you are angels on earth, and your kindness meant the world to Gwen. A special thanks to Cathy, whose unwavering love and care will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Raleigh and Eva Harper Cook, her beloved daughter Shelly Gray, and her siblings Raleigh Jr., Doyle, Lorene Boyter, and Doreen Cook. She leaves behind her daughters Stacey Gloer, Jennifer Knox, and Jessica Robinson; sons-in-law John Knox and Chris Robinson; and her cherished grandchildren: Jacob, Jared, Julie, Jeremiah, Kourtney, Reagan, Maria, Payton, Gabriel, Arabella, Tristan, Ava, Maddox, Evangelyn, Harper, along with eight great-grandchildren.

Gwen’s love, strength, and faith will forever be remembered by those who were blessed to know her. She lived a life full of grace, and her legacy will continue in the hearts of her family and friends.

A visitation will be held Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Rose Neath Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday, September 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church west Chapel in Minden, Louisiana with Bro. Steve Gilley officiating. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory in Minden, Louisiana.

Pallbearers will be Reagan Gloer, Gabriel Bartlett, Maddox Knox, Tristan Bartlett, John Knox, and Chris Robinson.