Obituary of Carolyn Ann Cook

Forever in Our Hearts

Carolyn Ann Cook was born on January 24, 1965, in Houston, Texas (Harris County), to Paul Nichols and Geraldine Cook. Though her story began in Houston, her roots were firmly planted in Dallas, Texas, where she grew up and made her home.

Carolyn attended Roosevelt High School in Dallas and made it all the way to her senior year before life called her in other directions. Like many strong Black women of her generation, her education didn’t define her — her heart, her hustle, and her humor did.

She spent most of her working years in the hospitality industry, always showing up with a bright smile and an energy that made people feel at ease. She didn’t need a title to make an impact. Carolyn had a way of making every space feel like home and every person feel like family. She never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off her back without hesitation.

She was known for her sharp memory, her thoughtful spirit, and her love of gift-giving. Birthdays, holidays — she never forgot. She loved fashion, especially outfits with a little flare and a lot of color. She loved music, good food, taking pictures to capture every moment, and traveling any chance she could. But more than anything, she loved her family. She took so much pride in her daughters’ and grandchildren’s accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to tell the world about them.

Carolyn leaves behind a family who will forever carry her in their hearts. She is survived by her loving daughters, Shakena Cook and Jessica Cook; her grandchildren, Jaylon Parish, Zanaa Hunter, and Cameron McFarland; her siblings, Kenneth Cook and LaJuan Cook; her devoted nieces and nephews: Artavious (Octavia) Cooks, Lakendrea (Eric) Richardson, Christopher Cook, Kenecia (DeMarcus) McFarland, and Myesha Cook; her lifelong best friend, Connie Drayton; and her god-children, Deborah Drayton, Nikki Drayton, April Drayton, and Latrish Airy. She is also remembered by a host of extended family, great nieces, great nephews, and friends who loved her dearly.

Carolyn now joins in eternal rest her parents, Paul Nichols and Geraldine Cook; her sister, Darlene Cook; and her dear friend, Helen Hogg, who all preceded her in death.

Her story wasn’t just about the places she worked or the years she lived — it was about the love she gave, the joy she brought, and the countless lives she touched. To know her was to be blessed by her light.