Nelda JoAnn Cook, a member of the Church of Christ and retired schoolteacher, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Medical City in Denton.
She was born on October 23, 1933 on her grandfather’s farm west of Tioga, the only child of James Weldon and Loma Lee (Sturdy) Cook. A graduate of Tioga High School, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. She completed her post graduate studies at Colorado State University. Nelda worked as a copywriter for Yates Advertising Agency in Fort Worth, then began her teaching career in Big Spring in 1955. Forty years of teaching included posts in Big Spring, Midland, Arlington, Castleberry, and TCJC Northeast Campus. She retired in 1995 from Tarrant County College where she was chairperson of the political science department on the NE Campus.
Nelda was preceded in death by her parents, and grandparents, Edward L and Ida Lee (Gillespie) Cook and General Price and Amy Elizabeth (Cox) Sturdy.
She is survived by her cousins, Larry Thompson, Rick and Linda Kemp, Stanley and Sandy Kemp as well as numerous other cousins and friends.
Graveside services honoring Nelda will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Tioga Cemetery in Tioga, Texas, officiated by Ricky Patterson. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday at Tioga Cemetery.
Nelda was a wonderful government teacher. She cared about her students. I remember her as always upbeat, smiling, and friendly. She and Nancy Yant Summers were 2 of my favorites at Castleberry High School.
Shari Perrin Emmons
Class of 1965
Ms Cook was my high school Government teacher and my favorite of all teachers. She actually made learning about the government fun. Will never forget—she taught me the definition of a fortnight. Rest In Peace dear lady.
My deepest sympathy in the death of Nelda. I knew her only briefly at the Tioga Church of Christ, but my family knew her years ago when she taught in Midland, Texas. Her love for the church and her Christian example and influence are a beautiful legacy that she leaves for family and friends.
R.I.P. sweet cousin!
Miss Cook taught me government and economics my sr year at castleberry. I loved her classes. Miss Cook, I minored in government and taught government in summer school because of you. You had a wonderful impact on my hs senior year. I have never forgotten you; just wish I had told you that in person. Your legacy lives on