Michael Jerome Cooks, Sr.

As I sit here at work today, and Mike is so heavy on my heart and I find this. This is my first time seeing this, so many wonderful, loving messages. We miss Mike everyday, some days seems like times is standing still and others seems like they are flying by. But most days I am still in disbelief. So today finding this and seeing all of you beautiful messages brought tears but also brought some peace. I will always say that We were not the only ones that Loved Mike and are grieving his Loss on levels unknown. But I do know God has a plan. I would like to thank each of you for your thoughts and prayers The Cooks/Carmen family. Michael Jerome Cooks Sr.

I've only had a couple of encounters with Michael, but the ones I had you were so kind and helpful at the WS RO. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

My sincerest condolences to the family. Mike truly was a class act. He will definitely me missed. VA Family

I enjoyed working with "Big Mike" at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs W-S office. He always had a smile as if nothing could get him down. He was the go to person for answers and he always enjoyed a good joke to get the day started. Rest in peace friend.

RIP... Paul O VBA WS...

A gentleman and a scholar-Mike you will be missed! May The LORD comfort Mike's dear family. Bertha, VBA

My sincerest condolences to Mike's family and friends. I am truly so sorry to hear about his passing. I worked with him at the VA for a short time and my interaction with him was always so pleasant. He was a kind person and always so helpful to his co-workers at the VA. Keeping those who loved him in my thoughts and prayers. - Erin Lam

My deepest sympathy and prayers for the family, during this time. You and your family will continue to be in our prayers. We pray that God will hold you when you need holding, give you peace in the late night hours. Rev. E.L. & Evangelist Sarna Brockington - Co-worker @ Salisbury VA.

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family Willie J Jones muck LOVE

Rest in peace brother. You will be missed.

I can't believe I'm writing this for a dear friend who made an impact on me as a person. Mike and I called/text each other every holiday or other festive occasion. He definitely was a people person and never had nothing but good comments to say about everyone. He was a person that I could talk to no matter what the situation. We met as he processed me into the Logistics department at the Salisbury VA back in March 2011. He is already missed but never forgotten. John C. Atlanta GA

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. He was an awesome guy. I wouldn't working for the Veterans' affairs neither would my daughter be where if it hadn't been from him I own God and Michael so much. The last time I saw him was about 6 months ago in the VA cafeteria little did I know that would be my last. We will miss you Michael

We want to send our love and prayers to the entire family. I've know Mike for 11 years as we were hired at the VA (HR) together. He has since been my friend and brother. We both had similar backgrounds. We both love the Carolina Panthers, Retired Army, loving Wives/kids, and country. Mike Cooks will always be my Brother and never forgotten. Rest in peace My Friend. Kelvin Nelson & Family.

My heartfelt sincere condolences to the family. Mike Cooks, Sr. was a great man. I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to meet Mike at the Kernersville HCC; when I ever had a question about something I didn't understand I would reach out to Mike for assistance if he didn't know the answer which was rare he would call me right back with an answer, such a great man he was and always checking on others to make sure we were good. Take your rest Mike I can hear the Lord saying to you "well done, thy good and faithful servant". Amen. Mike you will be missed by sooooo many. Sleep on in Heavenly Peace.

Our condolences to the Cooke and Carmen family. Mike was a wonderful young man. God rest his soul. Greg & Vickie Jones

May the comfort of God be with you. I had the pleasure of being in several classes with Mike. And also growing up on Water Street. He will be missed.

I had the pleasure of being in several classes with Mike. He will be missed. Love to the family and may the comfort of God be with you. MARTHA OLLISON...CLASS OF 83.

From the moment I met Mike - we hit it off and declared with a pinkie promise to be 'Brotha and Sista' from now on! He was such a friendly gentle man with a big heart! Mike is already missed but his memory will be with me forever Sending sincere and heartfelt condolences to his Family! Sleep on my Brotha!! Denise Wilson

I had the pleasure and honor to know Mike while working at the VA. Mike was always positive and willing to go the extra mile to help others. I believe he knew everyone and called them by first name on the VA campus. His pleasant and caring nature is a true representation of the person he was and how he will be remembered. My sincere condolences to the Cooks family.-Will Clarke

Sending prayers and condolences to the Cook family. Mr. Cook was one of the nicest and most helpful resources at the Salisbury campus. May he rest in peace. K. Fair

Thanking God for his comfort and peace to the family, during this time of sorrow, VA family

My deepest sympathy to the Cooks' family. You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you well in the days and weeks to come. Mike will truly be missed by his Salisbury VAMC family. Streater

Thank you, so very much for all of your hard work. My prayers and condolences to your family and friends.

My heart is heavy to know you're gone home with the Lord. Gone to soon but never forgotten. My condolences to the family. RIP my classmate till we meet again. Angela Jones, Classmate "83"

Mr. Cooks was a genuine caring person that I met at Salisbury VA. I am sadden to hear and sending my condolences to his family. He will be missed. ~Holiday~

I first met Mike when I began working at the VA. We discussed him continuing his education and his future plans. He had such a kind and gently spirit and always had a willingness to assist anyone. Rest in Heaven(RIH)Mr. Cooks. My prayers are with the Family. Darnell Walker

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"(Matthew 5:4) The Lord will wrap His arms of love and comfort around those who trust in HIM.

May god rest your soul my friend and homie aka "Bayboro". You will truly be missed by all who met your warm are caring heart. Sincerely your friend "lil Washington"

I can't say enough good things about Mike and my prayer is that the Angels of God encircle the family and comfort them in this great time of loss. REST IN POWER

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to those feeling the absence of such a kind and gentle spirit. I got to meet Mike when he helped me while working in HR at Salisbury. He will never be forgotten. Peace, Nancy G.

My thoughts and prayers to the Cook family. I worked with Mike at the VA in a program called CREW. Mike always made us laugh and did anything he could to help out. He always had a smile on his face and quickly jumped in to help a friend or colleague. You will be deeply missed and we will carry you in our hearts! Dr. Shanyn Aysta

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Mike while working in HR at the VA. Such a kind soul to anyone he came across. Sending prayers of comfort to you all.

I used to be on the van pool with Mike. Mike was a peaceful, kind, great man. He touched many, many lives and was so loved. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his family. I was lucky to know Mike. - Casey Payne

Cook Family, My deepest heartfelt condolences and prayers goes out to you and your family, as well as those near and far. During your hours of bereavement, may God lavish you with comfort, strength, peace, and endurance. May the peace of God give you courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. May you be blessed by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Thomason Family

Cook Family, My deepest heartfelt condolences and prayers goes out to you and your family, as well as those near and far. During your hours of bereavement, may God lavish you with comfort, strength, peace, and endurance. May the peace of God give you courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. May you be blessed by the outpouring of love surrounding you.

I worked with Mike the first time he was at the Salisbury VA. Then he left us to join the VBA family in Winston. I can take a little credit for bringing him back to our Salisbury family when I choice him for his new role. I sat along beside of him and trained him in his new position and I became, not only his co-worker but his friend. I don't think I ever saw him when he didn't have a smile on his face. Truly a pleasant and caring man. You will be missed dearly. Love and prayers to his family. T Barber

I got the chance to meet and work with Mike this year. He was very professional and kind. He was the person with punctuality, sincerity, and dignity. A favorite memory I have is He would stop by to correspond with my coworker and would take a piece of candy after lunch. My coworker took a new position in New York leaving me (the new person) by myself in the office. Even though we did not work on the same material he would still come by occasionally to take some candy and it made me feel included and befriended. I will keep you all in my prayers. Kindly accept my deepest condolence. -Coworker Emily Elliott

The Cooks family, may the peace of God comfort you all during this most difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Mike at the Salisbury VAMC. His warm smile and gentle spirit will be truly missed. Rest in Peace Mike. The Williams Family

My sincere condolences to the Cooks family. Mike was like one of our family members when we were in Germany and our friendship continued on. He will truly be missed by many. Rest in Heaven my dear brother. ~ Sara Graham

My sincere condolences to the Cooks family. Mike was like one of our family members when we were in Germany and our friendship continued on. He will truly be missed by many. Rest in Heaven my dear brother.

I am sad to see you go home to glory and prayers is with my family at this time. Rest In Peace my cousin Timothy Williams

I had the pleasure to work with Mike at both the VBA and VA. He always had a smile on his face and was a truly nice person. He will surely be missed. Please accept my condolences and prayers.

Condolences and prayers being sent to Michael's family. I worked with Michael at the Salisbury VA and loved his witty peaceful demeanor. We will miss him! Cherish the memories.

My deepest sympathy to the Cooks' family. I worked with Mike at the Salisbury VA! He had such a great personality! We had a lot of laughs! He will be missed by many people. Tina Phelps

Mike was a wonderfully caring and friendly person to be around. He always had a smile and kind word when I would see him. I pray for his family and friends during their time of sorrow. His joyful smile and kind soul will be missed deeply. Chrissy McDaniel and family

Cooks family you are always in my prayer god will keep you in this time god is your help and he will naver leave you. You are in my thought and prayers...Kathy Parker and shonda Parker

When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you've given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust That it is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart. I won't be far away for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All my love around you soft and clear And then, when you come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home". My condolences and prayers to the Cook family -Stephanie Grover-Brock Tampa Florida

Seems so unreal. I remember the day you came ion to be a part of Raleigh Bn. I also remember the day your little girl was born and that smile on your face. You, like so many other recruiters, knew that I was always good for a smile and a hug when you came into HQ. and I always got one in return from you. Living without you will be hard for the family but all the good memories will give them something to treasure - Sadie McCausley-Beadle

My sympathy and condolences to the family. I served with Mike in the US Army 89-92.He was a guy you could count on. Just reconnected with him a few years ago and we spoke recently.RIP my friend. Paul Reynolds

Mike will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was a very nice and loveable person. Every time I saw him we would talked and laughed. He was such a fun person. Violet Williams Ollison Classmate of "83"

My family and I would like to extend condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Michael Cooks Sr. Mr. Cooks and I chatted everyday! Although we never met in person, he was a true friend! I will forever cherish the countless laughs, prayers and words of encouragement. Until we chat again, may you rest in peace!

Kronski Pridgen-Ferguson and family

SFC Cooks was my Station Commander in Concord, NC. I saw him a couple of years ago at the Salisbury VA, and he was the same gentle guy. He imparted some words of encouragement, and he was one of the reasons why I returned to teaching in 2019. Rest easy, your memory lives forever......Alberta Love, US Army/Army Recruiters(2000-2003)

my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Cook family. Mike Mike what I called him will be missed. his charm and smile and laughter was priceless. He got his Angel wings early. will miss you brother. Vernell Carter support services VA regional office Winston-Salem.

Michael was a person that would extend his hand to help others and always provided that assistance with a smile. A good friend, and a good man, that was Michael Cook. He truly will be missed. My condolences to the Family, R.I.P. Brother!

Prince E. Moses Sr. and Family

My condolences to the Cooks family. May God give you strength and comfort during this time. Mike will be missed by many who talked and laughed with him. RIH Mike.

Condolences to The Cook's family during this time. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the family. Mike was a dear friend. Things will not be the same at the workplace and will be missed so much. Rest easy my friend. ~Aleashia (AB)

MIKE WAS ONE OF MY HEROES! HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND ALWAYS WANTED TO HELP! HE WAS ONE OF MY VETERANS AND SERVING HIM WAS A JOY! HE ALWAYS CHECKED ON ME! TO THE FAMILY I SEND YOU MY CONDOLENCES!AND MANY PRAYERS! Veterans Service Officer, Debra Jarmon

First,thanks for sharing your love of knowledge with me. Secondly, to the family, I'll keep you in my prayers. I know we are selfish people, but please remember, God shared him with us; therefore, we shall thank him and allow for his safe return home. I'm going to miss you "Big Mike."

Mike was a wonderful person, loved by many, kind to all. Gone to soon but never forgotten. My sincere condolences to his family, who he loved so dearly. You are in my Prayers. Shelia Moore & Family

My big brother, my partner in crime, my "Cookie". I can't believe you are gone! I am devastated as everyone is. Thinking back on all of the great times we shared. I will truly miss our conversations and all the advise you were always giving me that you said I never listened to. lol. I will miss you my friend.

this numbness has left a hole in my heart, you were a very dear friend that I will NEVER, NEVER forget. rest on my friend, you will be MISSED chery wynn

My ride or die,we had each others backs, you taught me so much if it wasn't for you I would not be the person that I am today for that I want to Thank you. your family was my family I will miss you so much.Big brother rest in peace. T.Rhodes

My condolences and prayers to the Cooks and Carmen family.Mike will truly be missed, seeing his smile and always had something kind to say. R.I.P. my friend.God for you!

"The measure of a man is in the lives he's touched. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." You were the best friend anyone could ask for. You've accomplished so much & remained so humble. We love you Cookie but our Father loved you best. P.S. Sit your good grinning self down some where. I know you are loving all this attention lol My deepest condolences to the family of SFC Michael J. Cooks Sr, Ret, BA, MBA-Chas

Condolences to the entire family. PCHS Class of 1984.

My Mikey....you are soooo going to be missed; my goodness we had some great times in SSD Winston-Salem; even though your older, you will always still be the "baby" bro. Rest easy lovie. Shauna

My heartfelt sincere condolences to the Family. I worked with Mike at the Veterans Affairs Regional Office for a short period of time. What a delight seeing and talking to Mike on a daily basis. RIP

Geneva

Condolences to the entire family. K. Mattocks (PCHS '82) & L. Francis (PCHS '85)

Family, you have my sincerest condolences. Mike was a great guy. We shared our love for UNC basketball and talked about the games at work. He was definitely a "Cool Dude" and will be missed by the Veterans Affairs SSD department. Stay strong for Mike.

Mike was a classmate, good friend, and co-worker who will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. Hazel White Burke

RIP Mike. You will be missed. My sincere condolences to the Cooks and Carmen Family. Trust God, he will keep you in Perfect Peace!

Velvet Smith ~ PCHS Class of 1981 & The Entire Smith Family

With a heavy heart and deep sympathy I join friends and family in sadness over the loss of a good friend of mine through my younger years. May all find comfort through the fond memories you share with one another.Cornelius Matthews classmate "83"

We were more than classmates; we were friends and family. Mike was a special part of our family, and we are left numb by his passing. We continue to remember his wife, children, and family in our prayers, as we officially extend or condolences and deepest sympathy. The Pamlico County High School Class of 1983.

My prayer is that a day will come when today's tears are replaced by tomorrow's smiles as you shared warm memories of Mike. You remain in my prayers. Gregory Cutler, PCHS Classmate 1983

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. Kelvin Jones, Classmate "83"

My dear brother you will be missed. Love you your sister (Joann) Cheryl Midgette Bryant

Family you are in our thoughts and prayers

PCHS Class Of 1977

Reminiscing about all the wonderful times that we shared on Water Street at Greenhill missionary Baptist Church in Bayboro. Family you are forever in my thoughts and prayers.

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.