Jean Cook was born May 22, 1941 in Greensville, Alabama to the late James and Ella Mae Dewberry. Jean attended Cleveland public schools of which she graduated and attended some college. Jean accepted Christ at an early age and again in 1964 at Providence Baptist Church, where she joined and was baptized. Jean worked at various department stores and babysitting jobs in her home. Jean united in marriage to the late Anthony Byarse, Sr. and from this union a son, Anthony Byarse, Jr., was born. Jean later united in marriage to Wilfred Sowell. From this union five daughters were born: Ericka, Patricia (deceased), Maria, April and Tanya. Once again, Jean united in marriage to the late Billy Ray Cook, the love of her life, and gained a stepdaughter, Tara. Jean loved playing Jeopardy, going for rides to the Amish country, flea markets, and collecting money. On Tuesday, October 14, 2014, Jean went home to be with her loved ones, but most importantly The Lord!
Jean leaves to cherish her memories a son, Anthony Byarse, Jr.; four daughters – Ericka Elder (Jeremiah) of Cleveland, Ohio, Maria Brown (Willie) of Maple Heights, April Childress (Mack) of Warrensville Heights, and Tanya Sowell of Cleveland, Ohio; a stepdaughter, Tara Cook of Cleveland, Ohio; a sister, Madeline Sanders and nephew, Jordan Sanders of Bedford, Ohio; a nephew, Leonard Dewberry of Cleveland, Ohio, whom she raised since age four; two nieces – Michelle and Kathleen Singleton of Huntsburg, Ohio; 27 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, cousins and friends. Last but not least, she leaves a very devoted caregiver and most importantly, right hand friend, Wilbert Stuckey.
Public viewing Monday, October 20, 2014 2pm-7pm at funeral home. Funeral service Tuesday, October 21, 2014 11am at Blessed Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 8804 Buckeye Road. Family will receive friends at 1030am.
Saki
I was thrilled to read about your ogatnizarion in The Plain Dealer. I used to be a member of a creative writing group in a library basement when I was in high school. As an engineering student, the lessons in thinking outside the box are still helping me today.
Jamie Sowell
When I was young I had no understanding of my grandmother but as I became a man I learned to appreciate and respect her because she was loved by few and hated by many, just like me.
Dear Grandma, you being extra tough on me made me tough and I’m sure that if I wasn’t tough as I am I wouldn’t be here today at 41 yrs old. The world is evil but I think you was something more than evil(I don’t know exactly what) and that’s why you were able to conquer it.