JoAnn (Van Gorkom) Cooke was born September 29, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri and departed this life on June 3, 2021 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, Missouri at the age of 69 years, 8 months and 5 days.
She was the daughter of Woodrow Wilson and Velma Lee (Greer) Van Gorkom.
JoAnn spent most of her younger years in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, graduating from Pleasant Hill High School in 1969.
After her marriage, JoAnn moved to Belton, Missouri and became a full-time homemaker. After her children were older, JoAnn went to work for the Mid America Cerebral Palsy Foundation and obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant Certification. She worked in several group homes for the Mid America Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Later she did private in-home nursing before declining health forced her retirement. In 2019, Jo Ann moved back to Pleasant Hill, Missouri and became a resident of Pleasant Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center.
When her health permitted, JoAnn liked to go thrift store shopping and bargain hunting, and she always enjoyed a good cup of coffee. JoAnn enjoyed singing, both at home and at Rose of Sharon PCG of Kansas City where she was a member.
JoAnn’s life centered around her family. She loved her sons, but truth be told, after her grandson Grayson was born, he became her “favorite”. She especially enjoyed family get-togethers and holiday celebrations.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Melinda LeAnn Gaug, and her parents, Woodrow and Velma Van Gorkom.
She is survived by two sons, James Bradley Gaug of Garden City, Missouri and, Sterling Robert Lee Cooke and wife Kristina Marie Lopez of Belton, Missouri; one brother, John Van Gorkom and wife Kathy of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; five sisters, Mary Sue McHenry of Belton, Missouri, Linda Lee Christopherson and husband Jim of Lathrop, Missouri, Velma Lee “Petie” Johnson of Raymore, Missouri, Nancy Jane Ferrel and husband Jerry of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Joyce Marie Yager and husband Mark of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; two grandchildren, Grayson Rowe Lee Cooke and Elena Rome Leigh Cooke; four nephews, seven nieces, many great nieces and great nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Cremation has been accorded. The family of JoAnn (Van Gorkom) Cooke will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Memorial Service will immediately follow at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Dalin Antwiler officiating. Inurnment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery at a later date.
3 Messages
I will miss you but I’ll never forget your love for life. You were funny and sweet. I love you my precious sister.
Our family will never be the same without you. No matter what you went through, you always looked on the bright side. I wish life on this earth would have been better for you. You are now healed, have an eternal body and no more suffering. We will see you again one day.
Sorry for your loss of JoAnn. She was a High School Classmate of mine. We had some good times in school and at a High School Class Reunion . RIP JOANN💜
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