Betty Cooke

LERONA – Betty Jean Overstreet Cooke, 76, of Lerona, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Born July 25, 1949, in Thaxton, VA, she was the daughter of the late Norman Jackson Overstreet and Ethel Bell Ruff Overstreet. Betty was truly one of a kind and had a smile to light up the room. She was spunky, strong-willed, and loved with her whole heart. She loved to dance, adored her flowers, and could spend hours going to yard sales. She was an excellent mother who loved her children more than she loved herself. Betty spent the early part of her life in Hampton, VA, where all her children were born. She was a resident of Mercer County for the last 35 years. She was a former employee of HealthSouth and Pipestem Resort State Park. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the father of her children, Joseph R. Cooke; son, Joe Hayslett; six siblings, Annie Ellis, Norman Overstreet, Ronald Overstreet, Thelma Hudson, Jenny Todd, and Margaret Porter. and special friend, Stephen Patterson. Her survivors include her children, Rodney Cooke and wife Sam of Hampton, VA, Rebecca Redden and husband Chip of Princeton, and Janie Bennett and companion Jason Crawford of Lerona; granddaughter Bella, and several others; three sisters, Judy Knight of Hampton, VA, Mary Leber and husband Lou of New Kent, VA, and Shirley Saunders of Hampton, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to extend special thanks and recognition to friends who became like family; Stephen and Kelly Patterson and their children, Sarah, Evan and Michael, a.k.a “Little Man”, Beth Mathena, Nina “Doody” Walters, and Linda Williams. They would also like to thank Hospice Compassus nurses, Raelynn and Nancy, for their care and compassion. Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Oakwood Cemetery in Princeton with Rev. Ronnie Stover, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Janie Bennett or The American Heart Association. Those attending the Graveside Service are asked to meet at Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton at 1:45 p.m. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

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Betty Cooke

July 25, 1949 - May 5, 2026