Barbara Ann Cooke

Barbara Ann Benzie Cooke, 63, passed away at Carolinas Medical Center on January 7, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was born and educated in Charlotte, and was a daughter of the late Richard Benzie and Mildred Benzie. She was a graduate of Garinger High School, and was a homemaker in recent years. Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Cooke was office manager for Harris Insurance Company in Charlotte.

Mrs. Cooke is survived by her husband, Larry Cooke of the home; her brother, Dickie Benzie and wife, Beverly of Charlotte; sister, Mary Cheek and husband, Dr. William Cheek of Houston, TX; nieces and nephew, Patti Kohler of Newport Beach, CA, and Brittainy Benzie and Ricky Benzie of Charlotte; and great-nieces, Rachael and Sarah Bauerlein of Newport Beach, CA and Andrea Nicole Benzie, Christian Marae McCarty, and Chloe Quay Benzie, all of Charlotte.

She is also survived by her step children, Stephanie Neeley of North Charleston, SC, Lee Cooke and wife, Amie of Nashville TN, Allen Cooke and wife Stephanie of Summerville, SC; mother in-law, Doris Gantt (“Ma”) of Charlotte; as well as her step grandchildren, Christian and Mattie Neeley of North Charleston, SC, Noah Cooke of Nashville, TN and Matt Cooke of Summerville, SC; sisters-in-law, Billie Crisp, Dianne Norton and Bobbie Little; niece, Lynde and Stephen Howard and their children, Jayson and Anna Howard; special friends, Tom Duggins and Margie Schindler; and special cousin, Mary Zawistowski of Brooklyn, NY.

Mrs. Cooke loved her family deeply, and was looking forward to the birth of her two new step-granddaughters. She also loved her dog and constant companion, Barley. Her family, friends and neighbors were all very special to her. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Cooke will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2013 in the chapel of Harry & Bryant Co., 500 Providence Road, with the Rev. Kent Massey officiating. Interment will follow at Charlotte Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.