Mary Lou Woody Cook, born August 2, 1941 (though her mother, Viola, always insisted it was August 1), passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, enduring faith, and deep love for her family.

Mary Lou was a woman of gentle nature yet an indomitable spirit. As beautiful as any beauty queen, she also possessed remarkable courage; once even fending off a man with a shotgun. She grew up in the hills of Jonas Ridge, North Carolina, where she spent her childhood picking galax leaves alongside her beloved sister Beatrice. Together with their brother Robert, the three were inseparable or “thick as thieves”, sharing countless adventures and filling every room with laughter whenever they were together.

Mary Lou faced profound loss early in life when she was widowed after the passing of her first husband, Ronnie. With strength and determination, she devoted herself to raising her daughter, Holly. When Holly was 9, Mary Lou met Larry Cook, and a new chapter of love began. Their first date at Bridges BBQ in Shelby, North Carolina, became a memorable story when their car broke down on the way home, leaving Mary Lou wondering if Larry had planned it. He hadn’t, but he made up for the breakdown, and the two soon built a life together rooted in love and devotion. They welcomed a daughter, Michelle, and they were married for 55, almost 56 years.

Mary Lou found joy in life’s simple pleasures: dining out, shopping for clothes, especially at Chico’s, and taking long walks. Despite living with severe rheumatoid arthritis, enduring daily pain and swelling, she refused to let it define her. With determination, she walked two miles whenever she could, often slowly and painfully, faithfully tracking her steps on her Apple Watch. Her resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her. She loved her church family at Columbus Baptist Church and attended faithfully, often lifting her hands in praise during the worship and song.

She was known for her cute hair and her signature “Cherries in the Snow” lipstick, but even more so for her unwavering faith. Mary Lou was a woman of prayer, faithfully lifting up her family, friends, and church. She believed deeply in miracles and lived as though they were already on their way. In one memorable moment, convinced God was preparing a new home for them, she began packing up her kitchen. Larry, surprised, asked what she was doing. “God is getting ready to give us a new home,” she said. And He did through an unexpected and extraordinary real estate transaction.

Mary Lou’s passing came peacefully. After waking not feeling well, she lay back down and took her final breath. She is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

She will be deeply missed for her laughter, her remarkable memory, and the love she gave so freely. While her absence is felt profoundly here, her family finds comfort in knowing she is rejoicing in Heaven.

Mary Lou is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Cook; her daughters, Holly Johnson Jernigan and her husband Jim, and Michelle Fortune and her husband Timothy; her granddaughter, Lindsey Johnson, her brother, Robert Woody; and her sister, Beatrice Woody. Her life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and love; a legacy that will live on in all who knew her.

The funeral service will be held at Columbus Baptist Church in Columbus, NC, at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, May 1, 2026, with interment to follow at Burke Memorial Park in Morganton, NC.

The family will receive friends on Friday, from 12:00 till 1:30 P.M. at Columbus Baptist Church.

Memorials may be sent to the Outreach Center of Morganton, P.O. Box 1003, Morganton, NC 28680 or to the Columbus Baptist Church,45 Houston Rd., Columbus, NC 28722.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Cook family.