Ernestine Holt Cook was born in Albany, Georgia on September 21, 1937.  She was the beloved daughter of the late Willie James and Irilla McCan Holt.

She was educated in the Dougherty County School System, including Monroe High School.  While at Monroe, she was actively involved in numerous school organizations and activities.

At an early age she confessed Christ as her Savior and joined Third Kiokee Missionary Baptist Church, where she served in the choir and on the usher board.

In July 1953, Ernestine was joined in holy matrimony to TSgt Jesse Cook, Sr., of Byron, Georgia.  They traveled from Ohio to Carolina, and Florida. Their union was blessed with eight children—five girls and three boys.

As a native of Albany, she was very active in numerous auxiliary organizations. She was past president of the Joseph Odom Unit Post 512 (American Legion); and past Daughter Ruler of the Elks Lodge.  Ernestine was a lifetime member of the VFW 2785, and Keep Albany Community Clean Volunteer.

On Saturday July 27, 2019, Ernestine embraced her angelic wings and gracefully transcended to her new everlasting and eternal life of peace and happiness.

Ernestine was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Irilla Holt; brother, Willie Jr.; and her daughter, Angela Cook Dancy.

Loving memories will be forever cherished by her children, Sandra Blanton (John Paul) of College Park, GA., Donna Cook Wilson of Albany, GA, Jesse Cook III (Lovie) of Madison, AL, Jacqueline Cook-Quitman of Spartanburg, SC, James E. Cook (Angela) of Palm Bay, FL, Brenda Cook Dixon (Tracey) of Lithonia, GA, and Calvin J. Cook of Albany, GA;  best friends, Willie Mae Davis, Catherine (Cat) Moody and Ann Mae Walker of Albany GA; seventeen grandchildren; several great and great-great grandchildren; and a host of  nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.