Obituary of Debra Kay Cooke

Debbie passed away unexpectedly at home on July 28th, 2021 on Hilton Head Island, SC. She was 66.

Deb was born on January 20, 1955, in Norton, VA to her parents, Vinard Jacob and Lula Beatrice Lawson. She was raised in Exeter, VA where she was known as Katie to her childhood friends. She graduated from Appalachia High School.

She worked in nursing before embarking on a very successful sales career selling steel and aluminum in Ohio for EMJ. Deb was very strong and determined to achieve success. Her customers loved her.

She married her beloved husband Jack Cooke in 1992. They built a home in Chagrin Falls, OH, where they lived for 21 years. In 2018, they made the move to Hilton Head Island, SC to enjoy their retirement years. They loved the island that was a second home to them for more than 30 years.

In addition to Jack, Deb is survived by her siblings, Jim Lawson (Lois), Ninkey McCarty (Jack), Joe Lawson (Vickie), and numerous nieces and nephews, and her “son”- our dog Prince. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sister Shirla Ackley (Jerry), and Brother John Lawson (Vickie).

She loved her family foremost, as well as cooking, planting flowers, and decorating the house, especially around the holidays.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 24 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head at 10 am on Wednesday, August 4th. Interment will immediately follow at Six Oaks Cemetery in Sea Pines. Flowers may be sent to the church or a contribution to the charity of your choosing.