Mary Frances Cook

Frances B. Cook, 93, formerly of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away May 18, 2021. An alumnus of Alabama College (now known as the University of Montevallo). Frances met her husband, George Thomas Cook, at a birthday party of a former Birmingham Post Herald employee. She knew she had met her match during lengthy talks about whether life could exist beyond the earth. An active community member, she volunteered for many years as a docent for the Birmingham Zoo; was a frequent reader with the Seasoned Performers; read books on tape, including textbooks, for the visually impaired; was a long-time president of Hilltoppers at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church; and a member and frequent officer of AAUW. Frances loved music and after learning to play the guitar, taught lessons to many young children. Her daughter, Miche Boles, fondly remembers learning House of the Rising Sun from her mom and loved the fact that mom—at that time in her 60s—was a Van Halen fan. Son, Chris Cook, and partner, Ken Garbacik, reminisced about the thousands of cookies she made for everyone and noted she continued to do so until her passing. Her son-in-law remembers her ability to spend only a few minutes with a new person and be fast friends by the end of the conversation. With a hat for every occasion (including a kudzu hat) and her colorful wardrobe and personality, she will be sorely missed by all.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Cook family.