Rachel "Joanne" Holder Cooke passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024 at the age of 86. She was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

Rachel was born on August 22, 1938 in Caldwell County to the late Charlie J. Holder and Gladys Spencer Holder. She was the youngest of three daughters. Growing up in the Whitnel area, she shared most of her childhood with her nephew, Doug Perry (deceased), and nieces, Patricia Perry Soots and Barbara Perry Walker—all who she loved so dearly. Joanne also leaves behind her best friend of 78 years, Nellie Raby Hodges (Bob). They maintained their friendship and were as close as sisters with their families remaining intertwined for generations. Joanne loved meeting new people and maintained many friendships over her life. Although blinded by a stroke 3 years ago, Joanne lived everyday believing it was possible for God to restore her sight if it was His will to do so. She loved to make those around her laugh and smile, and her sense of humor remained until the end. Sharing her laughter (and some tears) was her dance partner and partner in life for the last 29 years, Jerry Goforth of Newton. Jerry was also her faithful caregiver throughout her blindness, always encouraging and supportive.  Joanne was a dedicated, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. But what gave Joanne the most joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was no doubt they held the biggest part of her heart.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Anderson Cooke; and two sisters, Mabel L. Perry and Mary Lou Johnson.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Debbie Bumgarner (Steve), and Tammie Auton (Doug); grandchildren, Erin Rogers (Matt), Lindsey Braswell, Casey Nash (Kyle), and Courtney Auton; great-grandchildren, Caroline DeLacerda, Jordan Nash, Easton Braswell, Liam Braswell, Braedyn Rogers, and Beckett Rogers; and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, December 20, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Calvary Advent Christian Church with Rev. Jim Lee officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior.

Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be Matt Rogers, Travis Soots, Kevin Nicholson, Ralston Soots, Landon Soots, and Easton Braswell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amorem at 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home is assisting the family.