Carolyn Sue Cook

Carolyn Sue Cook was born June 29, 1953 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to Everett and Juanita Mangrum. Carolyn graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She continued her education at Murray State College in Tishomingo where she graduated with an AAS degree, followed by a BS from East Central University in Ada and a MS from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. Following graduation Carolyn worked at Murray State College as a teacher of psychology and sociology. Carolyn loved helping people in need and very soon felt called into Social Work at Johnston County Department of Human Services where she assisted Johnston County families in acquiring the basic necessities of life. Her desire to assist as many people as possible ultimately led her to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency which allowed her to assist people, throughout multiple central and southern Oklahoma counties. Although her professional career was cut short by sever medical problems, she continued to do everything she could to help those in need. Although home bound, she volunteered her time, knowledge and skills at navigating governmental red tape to assist numerous organizations in receiving federal nonprofit status. She was also instrumental in the development of several on-going organizations that, to this day, continue to assist homeless persons, disabled veterans, active police officers, and orphans throughout southern Oklahoma. Carolyn was never willing to take the lime light, but rather preferred to stand in the shadows and watch others take the bow when people received help and support through those various organizations. Most of all, Carolyn loved her family dearly. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Carolyn found her greatest happiness in the time spent with her family. She adored her children and grandchildren and treasured each and every moment she could spend with them. She found great joy, peace and beauty in nurturing them. Even though she struggled with constant pain and loss of mobility from severe rheumatoid arthritis as well as loss of strength from COPD, heart and kidney failure she labored many, many hours carefully and lovingly piecing together quilts for each of her loved ones. She felt each quilt had to be as unique as the person for whom it was made with no two being alike. She liked to think that long after her passing, those who had received the quilts would be able wrap up and be comforted by them any time they needed a hug just as if she, herself, was holding them gently in her loving arms. Carolyn was a member of Community Christian Church in Durant, Oklahoma. She loved the people there and enjoyed worshiping and visiting with everyone, young and old alike. Although Carolyn loved life and people, she had little fear of death. Carolyn knew Jesus Christ as her personal savior. As a Christian woman, Carolyn took her responsibility to encourage and help younger women, very seriously. Even after her failing health confined her to her home, she continued to do everything she possibly could to encourage, counsel and minister those young and old who came to visit and care for her! Carolyn passed peacefully from this life in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loved ones on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the age of Seventy One years, Eleven months, and Seventeen days. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Everett and Juanita Mangrum, her brothers Larry Mangurm, Terry Cavin, and Ricky Cavin, and her sister Tammy Burrows. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband Gary L. Cook of the home, mom Mary Mangurm of Tulsa; two sons, William (Billy) A. Hayes with his wife Lori and Jonathon A. Cook with his wife Ashley of Tulsa; one daughter, Alicia M. Ivy with her husband David of McAlester; two granddaughters, Ryleigh and Katie Ivy; and three grandsons, Joey Hayes, Johnny Cook and Ian Cook; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2025 at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Hazell to officiate. Interment to follow at Condon Grove Cemetery in Milburn, Oklahoma.

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Carolyn Sue Cook

June 29, 1953 - June 17, 2025