Alma J. "JO" Cook, 68, 535 South College St., Newcomerstown, formerly of Tuscarawas Avenue, Newcomerstown, and Cambridge, passed away late Tuesday night, January 10, in Union Hospital, Dover, following a lengthy courageous struggle with cancer.
“Jo” was born in Cambridge on July 17, 1943, a daughter of the late Melvin E. Charleston and the late Charlene M. Moore Charleston. She was also preceded in death by her step mother, Edith Smithberger Charleston. “Jo” was a graduate of Terry Parker High School, Jacksonville, Florida, and took courses at the St. Joseph’s Convent, also of Jacksonville. She received her license in practical nursing (LPN) from the Mideast OhioVocational School District, Cambridge. She was employed as a nurse with the Southeast Ohio RegionalMedical Center, Cambridge, for over 25 years before her retirement in 1998. “Jo” was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, Newcomerstown. With the church, she was a member of the choir and the Mary Magdalene Circle. She also helped to start the Cancer Support Group at the church. “Jo” also served as a volunteer with Journey’s End Ministries, Newcomerstown. She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, working on word puzzles, making ceramic crafts, and reading.
In addition to her parents and step mother, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Edward Charleston, Jacksonville, Florida, and a brother-in-law, Dana B. Jones, Newcomerstown.
“Jo” is survived by her husband, Walter L. “Walt” Cook, Newcomerstown, whom she married on June 9, 1990. Also surviving are her sister, Carolyn Jean Jones, Newcomerstown, her brother and his wife, Melvin and Kathy Charleston, Gainesville, Florida, two sisters-in-law, Bonnie J. Charleston, Jacksonville, and Marie and husband Dave Marlatt, Cambridge, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews, and her faithful companion, her Jack Russell terrier, “Pookie”.
To honor her requests, no public visiting hours will be observed. Public grave side services and burial will be held on Monday, January 16, 1:00 PM, at the Plainfield Cemetery, Linton Township, Coshocton County. Rev. Larry S. Hukill, senior pastor of Christ United Methodist Church, will conduct the services. The family would like to extend its sincerest thanks to all of “Jo’s” friends and caregivers who were of great help for the past several months. The family is requesting that memorials be made in “Jo’s” name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Post Office Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Envelopes will be available at the Ourant Funeral Home, which is assisting the family with all arrangements.
Ourant Funeral Home
740-498-6422
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