John Henry Cook, affectionately known as Henry, was the son of the late James and Zellen Cook. He was born in Washington, DC on December 1, 1949. John was the 13th of 16 children. He was educated in the District of Columbia Public School System. John attend Bell Vocational High School where he developed his love of upholstery. John was a hard worker. In 1973, John started his 37 year career at Giant Food Warehouse as a forklift operator. After retiring from Giant Food Warehouse, John drove a school bus for the Prince George’s County School System and retired for the second time.
John met Cathy in 1966. However, they didn’t begin dating until 7 years thereafter. Instantly, they knew that they had a connection and married one year later on November 1, 1974. They had a wonderful marriage of 48 years, during which, they raised two beautiful children: Perry and Camille. They loved spending time with their grandchildren Keturah, Antoniyah, Antonio and their great-grandson Kodi. Along with his love of family, John enjoyed sewing, hand-dancing, skating, softball, swimming, bowling, throwing horse shoes with his brothers and always rooting for any Washington DC team. John especially enjoyed playing dominoes with Perry and the fellas.
Anyone who knew John knew John was smooth! John was suave from his style of dress to his walk, the way he hand-danced with his wife and how he roller skated with his daughter Camille. When he and Cathy hand-danced it was like poetry in motion. Some even wondered when he walked whether his feet touched the ground!
John was introduced to Jehovah’s Witnesses through his wife Cathy. But it was Camille who asked her daddy to attend the meeting. Thankfully, he could never tell Camille no. This led to his eventually accepting a study with Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1985. John loved what he was learning so much that he was moved to get baptized and officially became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 21, 1989 in Crownsville, Maryland. The congregation became an extension of his family. He and Cathy were always hospitable and their home was open to all. John loved serving in the Accokeek Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was appointed a ministerial servant on July 25, 2010 and eventually and elder on January 17, 2016.
John was first diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2018. The doctors gave him months to live, but John is a fighter and beat all the odds. He affectionately told his wife Cathy, “I’m not ready to leave you yet.” John fought to live for his wife and family that he cherished and loved so much. In 2019, when the pandemic hit, his love of sewing shone through. He made masks for all the friends. In 2023, he was diagnosed with another illness. But he never let a diagnosis stop him. Even the days when he was not feeling well, he was determined to go to the Kingdom Hall and out in field service. While sick, John continued his service to Jehovah. He faithfully served Jehovah to the very end!
John is preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Zellen Cook; five brothers: William, Robert, Miles, Paul and Saleem; and two sisters Juanita and Carrie.
John leaves cherished memories to his wife Cathy; his children: Perry (Camille) Brashears and Camille (Brian) Brown; his three brothers: David, Sr., Sylis (Barbara) and Kenneth; four sisters: Mamie Sanders, Zellen Woodson, Isabelle McMillin and Yvonne (Ollie) Davis; three grandchildren: Keturah Boozer, Antoniyah Brashears and Antonio Brashears; and one great-grandson: Kodi Lee along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Services celebrating the life of John Henry Cook will be held privately.
My condolences to you Cathy & Camille, Perry. John was very special to me. Now I know why. With all his wonderful qualities & skills. May Jehovah keep you strong and walk with you thru your sorrows.