Joyce Cook

Rev. Joyce E. Thomas Cook, age 87, of Saucier, experienced her glorious transition to her eternal home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on February 18, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Rev. Harrell E Cook; father, Jefferson Davis Thomas; mother, Lettie Marie (Lewis) Thomas; a brother, James Dillon Thomas; 6 sisters, Marie Nuna “Teddy” Mott, Eula Loretta Holton, Lessie Agnes Sterbens, Shirley Diane Hadley, Delores Ann “Lois” Touchstone, Patricia Ann “Pat” Dixon; and a great-grandson, Judson Lee Ulmer.

Sis. Cook is survived by 3 children, Harrell E “Buddy” Cook, Jr, Teresa Anne “Terri” Ulmer (Rev. Jeffrey Lee) and Tamera Patricia “Tammi” Farabee (Steven E); 2 grandchildren, Holly Joy Wilson (Michael Elvis) and Rev. Jeremy Lee Ulmer (Kasie Hope); 5 great-grandchildren, Colby Lee Wilson, Cannon Levi Wilson, Jackson Lee Ulmer, John Lowry Lee Ulmer and Georgia Hope Ulmer; brother Lilborn Thomas (Sara); and numerous nieces and nephews whom she treasured and loved dearly.

Sis. Cook was a native of Fort Myers, FL and was a current resident of Saucier, MS. She was a graduate of Berean Bible College and served the Assemblies of God Fellowship for more than 50 years as a co-pastor with her husband.  She was an accomplished pianist and sang with several gospel groups throughout the years including the Concord Trio and the Calvary Echos. She also used her musical talents, leading praise and worship, playing the piano, organ and accordion, at the 10 churches that she co-pastored with her late husband, Pastor Cook.  She was a well-studied Bible teacher and a passionate prayer warrior, and she used those gifts to serve others and the Lord.

Joyce was known for her professional seamstress skills and ran her own personal business, Country Closet, designing, sewing and embellishing clothes, handbags and accessories.  Her exceptional baking skills were known far and wide, especially her famous coconut cake, although her red velvet cake was a close second.

Pastor, wife, mother, mamaw, sister, aunt, teacher, seamstress, musician, baker, faithful friend and prayer partner – she excelled at them all.

Our enduring inspiration.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 11 am – 12 pm at New Life Family Church, 362 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39531.

A Celebration of Life service to the Lord will begin at 12 pm. Interment to immediately follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Embrace Grace, a Pro Life Ministry, c/o New Life Family Church at www.NLFC.tv

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family, and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com