Shirley Joyce Cook

Shirley Joyce Cook, 85, of Manassas, VA.   Shirley Cook passed away peacefully on October 27,2024 surrounded by her family. Shirley was born on August 15, 1939, in Hammond, Indiana to Vernon and Hazel Willis and was the much-loved wife to William John Cook III for 67 years. Shirley met William at Calumet HS where she was a class officer for the Class of 1957. She played clarinet in the school orchestra and soloed for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue for a school performance. She was awarded a music scholarship which she passed on to get married and start a family. She was mother to William IV (Ethel), Jeffrey, Steven (Pamela), and Nancy (who passed in October 2006). While raising her children, she led boy scout and girl scout troops and was involved in many community projects. Shirley worked in hardware store management and in support of her husband’s business. She also managed a daycare center for many years. She is survived by her husband and her three sons; four grandchildren, Melissa Cook, Cole Cook, Danny Cook, and Sean Cook; and one great-grandchild, Huxley Howard. The family will celebrate her life with a private service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children Hospital in Shirley’s honor.