Joe Cook, Sr. Obituary

Joe Henry Cook, Sr., 87, of Malvern, Arkansas, peacefully completed his earthly journey on Monday, February 9, 2026, in the comfort of his home. He was born on March 28, 1938, in Stephens, Arkansas, to his loving parents, Joe Cook and Ruby Edwards-Jackson.

Joe attended the local segregated school for Black children in Stephens. After completing the eleventh grade, he made the selfless decision to leave school and farm full time to help his mother provide for the household. His strong work ethic led him to later gain employment with a local lumber company, where he became a skilled millwright.

On August 15, 1965, Joe united in marriage with his soulmate, Joyce Marie Craig. Together they built a loving life and eventually made their home in Malvern. Joe was employed as a millwright at Willamette Industries in Malvern, where he faithfully worked for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2000. Retirement, however, did not slow him down. He continued operating the lawn care business he had established years earlier, taking great pride in every yard he maintained—especially his own.

Joe loved the outdoors and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid fisherman who cast his line in waters across Arkansas. Gardening was another passion; he enjoyed growing tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of vegetables. Joe would faithfully tend the garden, while Joyce lovingly preserved the harvest through canning. He also enjoyed listening to music, watching westerns, reading his Bible, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. Above all, Joe loved God and carried his faith quietly but sincerely.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Sam Cook, Jessie Cook, and Jim Cook; his sisters, Mattie Tucker and Annie Lou Cook; brothers-in-law, Charles Tucker, Rev. Wilson Ridout, Robert Johnson, Hart Craig, Oreadis Craig, Arch Craig, Harvest Craig, John Arthur Craig, and Lewis Thomas Craig; sisters-in-law, Lula Reed and Maudrine Hughes; and a beloved grandson, Hayden Lewis.

Joe leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of over 60 years, Joyce Cook of Malvern; two sons, Joe Cook, Jr. (Bernice) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Tony Cook of Dickinson, Texas; one daughter, JoAnn Lewis (Herman) of Little Rock, Arkansas; one sister, Joyce Stephens of Chicago, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Willie Reed of Malvern; two sisters-in-law, Lessie Ridout of Waterloo, Iowa, and Vera Mae Johnson of Rockford, Illinois; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Joe’s Homegoing Celebration Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at North Main Church of Christ in Malvern. A visitation will take place from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Brandon’s Mortuary in Malvern. Family and friends are invited to sign Joe’s online guestbook below.

Brandon’s Mortuary is honored to be entrusted with professional services.