Irene Cook

Irene Cook, 102, a lifelong resident of Pacolet, SC, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at White Oak Estates. Irene was born May 8, 1924, in Pacolet, SC, a daughter of the late Beulah Thacker Cook and Otis Cook, Sr.

Irene was a member of New Salem Zion Baptist Church where she was a former leader of the Zionette Auxiliary. She was the last surviving charter member of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Pacolet. Irene loved to sew and cook, sharing her crafted goods and wonderful food with anyone in need.

She spent over 60 years as a caregiver, housekeeper, and companion to the J.D. Allen family, spanning three generations. The Allen family was very special and dear to Irene, and she was equally special to them.

Surviving are her nieces, Diane Cook Bell of Piedmont, SC, Lygia Cook Carter of Sacramento, CA, Cynthia Cook Williams of Sacramento, CA and Juanita Cook Bankhead of Spartanburg, SC; and her nephews, James Cook, Jr. of Sacramento, CA, Ronnie Cook of Boston, MA, Mark Cook of Sacramento, CA and Bruce A. Norris of Spartanburg, SC.

Along with her parents, Irene was predeceased by her siblings, Lula Cook Atchison, Corrie Cook Frenandez, Gladys Cook Norris, Otis Cook, Jr., and James Cook, Sr.; her half-sisters, Willie Bogan and Ramona Bogan; and two nephews, Emory Bernard Cook and Richard Cook.

A graveside service to honor God and celebrate Irene Cook’s life will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026, at New Salem Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, 675 Jerusalem Road, Pacolet, SC 29372, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Larry Black. Irene will be laid to rest in the burial plot alongside her parents and two sisters.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel