Larona Purcell Cook

LaRona Purcell Cook, 75, passed away peacefully at home Friday, March 24.

Born March 18, 1948 in Millen, Georgia, LaRona was the daughter of the late Harry Vernon Purcell and
Jane Canady Purcell. Mrs. Cook took great pride in her family and is survived by her husband, Preston
Nickels “Nickey” Cook, Jr.; her daughters, Gina (Paul) Nelson and Lori (Wes) Tuttle, and her five
grandchildren who were the highlight of her life: Glenn Paul “Max” Nelson, III, Martha Jane Nelson,
Margaret Cook “Maggie” Nelson, Mallory Purcell Tuttle, and Ella Felton Tuttle. She is also survived by
her brothers: Vernon Desmal Purcell, Dennis Wayne Purcell, and her sister, Patricia Kay “Patti” Purcell;
and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

LaRona worked as a paraprofessional at Sprague Elementary and Port Wentworth Elementary during her
twenty-two-year career. She also worked at the Learning Treehouse in Rincon after school and during
the summers. She was a faithful member of Garden City First Baptist Church, where she maintained a
29-year perfect attendance record. She could always be found serving in the children’s ministry with
Sunday School, Mission Friends, and Vacation Bible School. She had a gift for loving on children and
impacted so many little ones at church and school. LaRona had a heart of service for others and was
famous for her sour cream pound cake and pecan pies. She enjoyed spending time at the beach, going
to the movies, teaching swimming lessons, and of course, cutting grass. Her legacy of faith, family, and
that famous laugh will continue on for years to come.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Compassus Hospice. The staff that worked
with Mrs. Cook exemplified the hands and feet of Jesus as they cared for her. Special thanks to her
nurses, Laura, Stephanie, and Catherine, and her caregiver, Toni.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Children’s Ministry of Garden City First Baptist
Church, or Compassus Hospice.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.bakermccullough.com

Services have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80 Garden City, GA 31408. (912) 964-2862. www.bakermccullough.com