Melvin L. Cook

On the morning of December 10, 2020, the Angel of Silence came into Christiana Hospital and with chilly fingers sealed the lips of my loving husband and best friend, Melvin L. Cook. His soul winged its flight from this world of sin, sorrow and pain, to a place of eternal rest. Death is a joyful Messenger of Peace, whose kind hand opens to the weary pilgrim, the gate of immortality and lets the oppressed go free. Melvin Lee Cook was born February 4, 1940 to the late Myrtle Cephas Cook and Charles Martin Cook in Caroline County, Maryland. At an early age, Melvin received his foundation at Ross Chapel Church where he began following the teachings of Jesus Christ. His religious and spiritual life allowed him to freely give of his time, his counsel and he was always there to do anything that he felt would help for good, in any way. Melvin was a humble and peaceful man. Melvin received his early education in Jonestown Elementary School and attended Lockerman High School. After graduating June 1957, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for three years. He successfully completed the Engineer Equipment Maintenance training, receiving the Certificate of Proficiency. Melvin started employment with General Motors from 1962 – 1964 as an Assembly line worker. In 1962 Melvin married Clarice Johns, and from that union Claudette Kimothy Cook was born. In 1966, Melvin was employed at Getty Oil Company as the first minority to hold the position of Tanker Driver for a major oil company in the region. He later became Terminal Foreman in charge of Terminal Operations retiring in 1995 from Texaco as a Pipeline Supervisor. In 1985, Melvin Cook and his business partner, Barbara Adams, formed Cook & Adams LTD to purchase a restaurant and entertainment facility in Townsend, Delaware. They renamed it Kimothy Place in honor of Melvin’s late daughter. In 1995, Cook Hauling LLC was established, sub-contracting for construction companies in the state of Delaware. Melvin was not selfish, hence, he felt that he needed someone by his side, so he married Barbara on October 26, 1986 and they took the journey together until death they did part. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 34 years Barbara, but friends for more that seventy years. Father-In-Law, Reverend William Briggs Jr. (Audrey-deceased), Brother-In-Law Harold Briggs (Debra) Newark, Delaware, Surrogate daughter Monya Cook Rutland (Charles), Macon, Georgia, Surrogate daughter Mishane Blount, 4 surrogate grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, life-long friends, Cleveland “Toot” and Flora Jones, many special friends and special classmates from the Class of 1957 - Lockerman High School. During his transition, additional care and love was given by Barbara’s special cousin, Brenda Briggs and Melvin’s special niece, Brenda Parker who was always there to support Melvin in any way. He also leaves behind some very unique and caring friends Dave Duncan, Wayne and Barbara Rivers, Stephen Hawkins (Janet), Sidney Lewinson (Tracy) and Jerline Murray.

Melvin L. Cook

February 4, 1940 - December 10, 2020