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Poteau Daily News
Poteau, LeFlore County, Oklahoma
October 9, 2012
On Sept. 29, 2012, Helen Ione Stephens Cook, 93, formerly of
Heavener, went peacefully in her sleep to be with her Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ, at her home in Sun City, Calif., where she
had resided with her daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Trell
Mercer, since July 2010.
One of seven children, she was born Sept. 7, 1919, to the
late Elsie M. and William P. Stephens in Laramie, Wyo. Helen
graduated from Laramie High School in 1935 and majored in music
at Phillips University in Enid.
She married the late Rev. A. Paul Cook in 1937, a graduate of
Phillips University and together they ministered to churches in
Illinois, Oklahoma, Nebraska and founded a mission in Kyushu,
Japan, during the post-World War II occupation.
In 1958, they received a call from the Kiamichi Mountains
Christian Mission and ministered to Christian Churches in
Nashoba, Divide, Snow and Albion.
Helen was an accomplished musician who taught piano to many
children in the local communities. She ministered through piano
and musical education. Helen returned to college and received
her bachelor’s degree in music education in 1980.
Helen taught music in Whitesboro Public Schools for 20 years and
was passionate about making a difference in the lives of her
students with her dedication to the teaching of music. She had a
special gift, sharing her creativity with her students by
writing original musical compositions for recitals and
performances.
She played piano at Heavener First Christian Church for many
years, and had acquired many friends at Heavener First Baptist
Church also, where she was known and loved. Those who knew Helen
described her as being “full of good works.”
She had 16 private piano students in Heavener where she
presented two recitals yearly. She retired from private teaching
at age 90 and moved to Sun City.
Helen is survived by her four daughters: Phyllis Valens,
Derby, Kan.; Joyce Mercer, Sun City; Ruth Elizabeth Cook,
Tahlequah; and Lydia Benbrook, Alma, Ark. She is also survived
by 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Helen is also
survived by her brothers, Morris and Ray Stephens.
A memorial service will be held Oct. 13 in Sun City at His
Light on the Hill Assembly of God under the direction of
Miller-Jones Mortuary. A second memorial service will be held at
1 p.m. Oct. 19 at First Baptist Church in Heavener, with burial
in Talihina Cemetery.
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