Marilyn Kay Burt Cook

Marilyn Kay Cook, age 84, died peacefully on Friday, November 4, 2022 in her home with her devoted husband by her side.

Marilyn was a loving mother and wife. She is survived by her husband David G. Cook; son James Cook; daughter and son-in-law Melissa Deaton Cook and Mike Deaton; and brother Jerry Burt and family. She is also survived by her beloved scruffy dog Yukie.

Marilyn was a strong and adventurous person. She was an artist, poet, musician, missionary, farmer’s wife, and nurse.  She loved flowers, pets, and people. Marilyn was born on April 5, 1938, in Flint, MI to Hazen and Juanita Burt. She grew up in Clio MI. During high school she was active in leadership and creativity. She graduated in 1957 from Clio High School where she was a Clionian staff, a member of the Glee Club, the choral ensemble, Y-Teens, Y-Teens cabinet, and the art editor for the school paper. After graduating from high school, Marilyn went on to become a nurse.

On July 29, 1961, Marilyn married David G. Cook. They were married for 62 years. After marriage she continued nursing, moved to a farm in central Michigan, and then eventually traveled to Lynchburg, VA to support her husband as he studied for the ministry.

In the 1980’s she moved to Yucatan, Mexico with her family where she lived for 30 years working with women, children, and families as a missionary wife. She led Sunday schools, vacation Bible schools, Women’s groups, Christmas and Easter pageants, and many other things. She shared her love of music with the people and taught them to sing as a choir. In 2007 Marilyn returned to Lynchburg VA, where she continued to care for others and express herself creatively.

Marilyn was an exemplary woman who loved the Lord. She loved to travel, learn new things, and explore new places. One of her favorite travels to tell about was her visit to her ancestry home on Orkney Island in Scotland, where she met distant relatives. She loved the island puffins. Marilyn enjoyed painting, jewelry making, crafting, writing poetry, and many other things. Most of all Marilyn loved her Lord, family, and many pets.

A short viewing and ceremony will take place Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 1p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home at 220 Breezwood Drive, in Lynchburg, VA. Marilyn Kay Cook will be laid to rest in Clearview Baptist Cemetery.

Below are samples of Marilyn’s poetry and artwork.

 







Well Doing

Let us not get weary in doing well

The reward will someday be great

When we enter into his abode

He’ll say well done.

When we enter Heaven’s gate

Then at his fee our crowns we’ll cast

For doing his will until the last

So don’t get weary in well doing

the benefits of eternity will hold fast

10/26/97 MKC



~*~



 

Beauty

What is beauty I ask,

The ability to do a simple task,

What is beauty to me,

What I behold, what sets me free.

What is beauty to God,

When we walk each day in his steps, we have trod.

What is beauty to a mom,

Children obedient, willing, and calm.

What is beauty to a dad,

Sons and daughters who make him glad

Beauty is to the beholder,

Many different things.

Behold the way, the truth, the life,

that Heaven’s angels sing.

7/4/91 MKC

~*~



 

Thank You Lord

Thank you Lord for little things

For a heart full of joy that can praise you

For buds to taste the food you give

For eyes to see the wonder of your love

For lips to praise you all the day

The blessings you give from above

For ears that can hear a melody

And sound to understand the precious word

For hands that labor day by day

Without them naught could we serve.

For feet that carry us to and frow

That the message of love we can tell

For bodies strong and others weak

You made us so, with you we can dwell

Thank you Lord for everything, Thank you Lord



11/30/96 MKC

~*~

Leaves

Leaves are falling everywhere

In brilliant colors grand



Red and yellow, rust and brown

They are the work of God’s own hand



Lazily quietly tumbling down

On a beautiful Autumn day

Telling the world that very soon

Winter will be on its way

The smell of burning leaves

The taste of pumpkin pie

Soon it will be Thanksgiving

Good fellowship with family

Talk of years gone by

The frost is on the pumpkin

Soon the ground will have a coat of snow

Inside smells of homemade bread and soup

The warmth of a fireplace all aglow

How could anyone say there is no God

When everywhere his evidence can bring

the fact that God is the only one who made everything

11/30/96 MKC