Shirley Cook Obituary

We just learned of Shirley's homegoing. Shirley became "special" to me (Barb) when I met her at a San Jose First Baptist Church, San Jose, retreat and we went on a walk together. I told her, "Most people, including me, pray for our pastors. But I always pray for the pastor's wife for many reasons." After listing the reasons, she began to tear up, stopped, hugged and thanked me.

Whenever Shirley walked into a room, the room seemed to light up because of her profound love for the Lord. She had a soft and quiet manner, yet full of spiritual wisdom. It's exciting to know she now sees our Lord Jesus Christ face-to-face, but will always be missed.

"I thank my God upon every rememberance of you."

Barb MacNeil & Mary Chadsey
San Jose, CA

Thank you, Pastor Jim and Shirley, for giving to the Lord... I am a life that was changed. Grace. Love. Compassion. Humor. Sweetness. There aren't enough words in the English language to adequately describe your dear Shirley. Now the transformation is complete for she has seen Christ and not as through a veil darkly, but face to face. Our loss... her joy complete. All our love, Eric & Beth

Just read of Shirley's passing in
the Liason newsletter. We were saddened for your loss Pastor Jim but also know that God is
too good to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake. We learned that from you:) praying
for you during these days of grieving.

Dear Pastor Jim & Family:
We just heard about Shirley this weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We remember fondly our visit together last summer in San Jose. We miss her, but we know she is with the Lord she loved so much. We will be in touch.

We are saddened to hear of Shirley's death. God is merciful and He knew the right time for her to join Him in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you feel the loss. We will see you all just inside the eastern gate. You gave us that instruction at International many years ago. Our love, Dick and Marilyn Weaver

Jim & family - May the God of all comfort surround you & give you His peace. His grace is sufficient to carry you through this difficult time. You & Shirley have been such an inspiration to me & to my entire family throughout the years. Growing up, I used to love to hear the stories of your missionary travels. May God continue to use you in a very powerful way for His Kingdom! The Suhonen family is standing with you in prayer. All of our hearts are right there with you. We mourn with those who mourn. We also rejoice in knowing that Shirley is truly "home"; and one day we will all be together again in our heavenly home.

~ Joyce Suhonen ~

You will be missed by all. We have missed but you & Pastor Jim since you left San Jose, CA. Preston won't go to another church since you left. We loved both of you and will never forget you. Will see you in Heaven when its our time to come home. My dad is up there with all his family he went home in February 2 days before his 96th birthday. Our love & Prayers are with the Cook family. Love Preston & Scharlee Phillips

Pastor Jim, My sincere sympathy to you and your lovely family. I have so many precious memories with you and Shirley from our San Jose First Baptist Church days - from fellowship with Homer, Karen and I to the ladies retreats, and so many others. May our loving Heavenly Father comfort and strengthen you all. Psalm 116:15

Pastor Jim, know that Larry and I are standing with you as are SO many other prayer warriors. We loved Shirley!! We'll forever be grateful to her for asking us to be in the Ensemble when we first arrived at IBC. Us! Just a Marine and his new bride! But she saw potential and we'll always love her for that - that and many other reasons!! One of those is that she loved you so much! Our very first visit to IBC just happened to be the night of the first young married's coffee. You and Shirley asked us to ride with you and we fell in love with the two of you that night! Another fond memory we have of Shirley is her buzzing around in her little sporty car. As cancer struck me again, we would call you and, in her own sweet way, Shirley would say "oooohhhh" and "yeeaahhh" with much tenderness in her voice. And then you'd pray - again!! We'll forever cherish those conversations! Know we love you and be assured of our continued prayers. Larry and Sheila Colclasure

Shirley's sweet testimony as a pastor's wife and choir director at International Baptist Church greatly impacted both Joel and me in our walk with the Lord and as we entered into marriage. I am eternally grateful.

Shirley you will be missed by so many friends and family. I remember the first time I met you and Pastor at First Baptist Church. From that day on you were apart of my life and I thank the Lord for our friendship. You both have been very special to me and I love you both very much. Shirley we will meet you at the "Pearly Gates", like Pastor Jim always said. Our prayers and thought are with Pastor Jim and the family. Wish we could be there. We love you all.
Scharlyn & Joy Hunter

Dear Shirley's significant life was a living example of how God "gives grace to the humble." The depth and sincerity of her quiet compassion and caring friendship have graced our lives for well over forty years.

Our hearts are sad, but we don't grieve as those who have no hope. Our hope is in the Lord of heaven and earth, and we know that we will be reunited with Shirley and enjoy eternity together. We cherish the memories, since l969.....our sweet friend and sister in Christ. See you soon Shirl!! We know you'll be in our welcoming committee!

Pastor Jim and all of the family, we can only imagine how sad and happy at the same time, you all are now that Shirley has gone home. Always remember that our home is your home any time you need a break. We, will meet again, all together one day. Bonnie and Doug Suhonen Wright MN

What will we do without our Shirl....... Her love for the Lord, her love for her husband, her love for so many that she has "adopted" over the years... Her love for Choirs, music, details, and even cars will be so greatly missed. Sally reminded me of a time we went to an antique car lot outside of Redding and I was thinking it would be fun for Pastor to see, but the one who really lit up was Shirl, she had an eye for the classics. One treasure(of many) she has left behind is her warn small Bible that was carried for so long. Not many months ago as I watched her underline something special, it was a testament to what God had greatly used in her life. Thank you Shirl for so much, and at your Service we will sing and share from mixed emotions....Love, Rick and Sally

Pastor Jim and Family, The world is poorer and heaven is richer. May our Savior give you the peace that passes all comprehension as you persevere here until your reunion. We are so grateful for our times with you and Aunt Shirley. Thank you for blessing our family. We mourn with you, but not without hope. Love, Roy & Tammy Mattson

Dear Jim and famiy,
It is no wonder to me that my dear late mother, Vera Suhonen, always said that Shirley was her favorite cousin!
Thank you for the vital role you have had in our lives!
With much love and a HOPE that is Eternal,
Robert, Ulla and Josef