Florence Ann Cooks

Florence (Hankins) cooks, 69, was born March 30, 1951, in Batesville, Mississippi to the union of Marie (Duie) & Elliot Hankins. 

Florence received her High School Diploma from South Panola High School in 1969. In 1971, she relocated with her family to Benton Harbor, Michigan. Shortly after arriving in Benton Harbor, she met the love of her life, Henry Cooks, Jr. From that day in 1973, they lived their love story and in 1997, before family and friends, they united in marriage. 

In 2001, Florence began diligently seeking the Lord and joined Martin Temple C.O.G.I.C under the leadership of Pastor Philander J. Martin. There, she became the Founding Mother and served for nearly twenty years. Florence enjoyed meeting and greeting people and being a servant of the Lord. As a result, she found her perfect fit on the usher board. She became a doorkeeper in the house of the lord! 

Mother Cooks was known to be an inspiration to others. She taught all to come into the house of God to give Him His due praise; that if He woke you up this morning, you owe Him all the praise and glory! She was known for singing in her baritone voice and ushering in the Spirit of the Lord with her Praise and Thanksgiving! 

Florence never met a stranger. She would smile and hold conversations with anyone! Those who encountered her enjoyed her humor and encouraging spirit. She was a mother figure to many through the lives of her children and grandchildren and was known as the cool mom. She had a love for fashion and designer purses. She loved her family and constantly kept them in her prayers. 

Mother Cooks departed this life on December 30, 2020. Left to cherish her memories are her daughters Marie (Arthur) Kelly and Nicole Hankins of Benton Harbor, MI; sons Dwan (Rose) Hankins, Lamont Hankins, Marco Hankins, Christopher Cooks, and Henry T. Cooks; a special cousin Charles Willis, all of Benton Harbor, MI. A Nephew, Ricky Bowens of Grenada, MS; twenty-two grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Elliot Hankins; Husband, Henry Cooks, Jr.; Brother, James A. Hankins; Sister, Lillie (Hankins) Williams; Son, Adrian Hankins and Grandsons Devell L. Hankins, and Harold Johnson. 

Florence’s legacy will live through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

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