Verdell Hayes Cook, beloved daughter of the late Richard Jackson and Louella Hayes Butts, was born September 16, 1950, in Albany, Georgia. She was the eldest of seven children.

She received her early childhood and secondary education in the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Monroe High School. Throughout school, Verdell was a very considerate, attentive young lady with a yearning to be of serve and help others.

At a very early age, she accepted Christ as her Savior; was baptized; and began her journey of Christian stewardship at Arcadia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Daniel Thomas.  Verdell dearly loved the Lord and remained a faithful and humble servant —always giving God the glory and praise.

Family was paramount in Verdell's life.  She was united in holy matrimony to Jimmy Cook and their union was blessed with two loving children—Jimmy Jr. and Nikki.  Domestic at heart, Verdell was steadfast in caring for her family and ate not the bread of idleness.  She was a very conscientious and persistent individual whose career was marked by hard work, high expectations, and unquestionable integrity.  Her diverse work experiences included employment with both Flint River Textiles and Bob's Candy Company.  No matter what the job title or task, Verdell worked diligently through the years to meet company standards and maintain exceptional work performance.

Known for her kind and gentle spirit, Verdell was never too busy to extend a listening ear or lend a helping hand.  She had a servant's heart, saw the beauty in all things, accepted everyone for who they were, and dearly loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren who held the lock and key to her heart.  Having the privilege of being loved by her was to know you would be loved for a lifetime.

On April 9, 2025, Verdell transitioned from this earthly life at her residence.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Laye.

Cherished memories will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Jimmy (Tanisha) Cook of Jacksonville, FL and Nikki Cook of Albany, GA; 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; siblings, Willie James of Vero Beach, FL, Dennis James, Ronnie (Renee) James, Greta (Bobby) Fletcher, and Debra Sewell all of Albany, GA, and Shumeika James of Ft. Pierce, FL; special friends, Dorothy McDonald and River Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.