MATTHEW COOK SR.

Matthew Cook Sr. played a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for his Family, Friends, and Community. He was embodied with strength, intelligence, and class.

Matthew Cook Sr. often stated that he was the baby because he was born 30 minutes after his twin sister, Maggie Mitchell. The second of two children born to James “Buster” and Idora Pyles Cook on December 14, 1927 in Vido, New Mexico. In 1941, Matthew came to San Diego to live with his older brother, Paul Cook.

Matthew had a large family, which consisted of nine brothers and sisters from his Father’s first wife Sarah Jane Rostick. They were Elizabeth Cook Beery, Lawrence James Cook, Sr., Paul Cook, James Eugene Cook, Roscoe Cook, Sr., Henry Cook, Lizzie Cook Mathis, Jettie V. Cook Tyson, and Josephine Cook Peterson. He also had one Brother and Sister that was brought into the marriage by his Mother; James Gasper and Willie Mae Miller Westmoreland.  Matthew attended the San Diego Public School System, attending Memorial Junior High, and San Diego High School.

In 1944 Matthew met the love of his life, Grace Darlene Jackson and was married on May 23, 1946. To this union, three children were born, two Daughters; Evone and Brenda, and a Son, Matthew Jr. During this time, Matthew had joined the US Army during World War II. However, his military career would be short lived as he received an honorable discharge a few years into his service.

Matthew, “Cookie” or “The Kid”, as he was known, began his working career shining shoes. From there he got a job with the City of San Diego, which was also short lived as he faced some adversity with upper management. When his brother got word of the issues Matthew was facing, he convinced him to apply at his place of employment, North Island Naval Air Station. Matthew was then hired, and the legend of “The Kid” was born. Matthew would remain at North Island Naval Air Station, working his was up to General Foreman and managing over 100 employees before retiring after 31 years with his employer. 

Matthew often said that he was on that one-day schedule, and to be thankful for each day we are blessed to see. The Lord allowed Matthew to clock in on that one day schedule for 96 years. His wife, daughter Evone C. Cox, son Matthew Cook Jr., and all his siblings except his twin sister Maggie Mitchell, preceded him on the journey home.

On March 6, 2024, The Lord decided that it was his time to come home to Him. Matthew’s memory is cherished by his twin Sister, Maggie Mitchell, Daughter Brenda Love, 8 Grandchildren, Matthew Cook III, Adrienne Randle, Harold Cox Jr., Nekesia Cox, Armond Love, Jamie Cook, Nicole Cook (deceased), and Marcel Cook. 13 Great Grandchildren, and 3 Great Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, and friends.

May the service I've given speak for me.
All that I've done,
The service I have given,
And the life I have lived,
May all seem small,
But when I stand before MY God,
I want to hear Him say, "Well Done!"
May the life I have lived speak for me.......

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