Mathelda Adele Woodward Cook , 81, was born to the late Charlie Hampton and Vienna Wigglesworth Woodward in Spotsylvania, VA on July 13, 1940. She was called to her heavenly home on Thursday, May 12, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones.

At an early age Mathelda immersed in the Christian community. She joined Zion Hill Baptist Church in Spotsylvania, VA, and served in several ministries. She later became a member of Living New Life Community Church in Spotsylvania, VA, where she remained a faithful servant, dedicated, and actively involved until her departure. She attended and graduated from John J. Wright Consolidated School in Spotsylvania, VA, where she graduated Salutatorian of her Alumni in 1957. She received an academic scholarship to Virginia State University, however she turned down the offer to take care of her siblings due to the death of her parents.

Mathelda was blessed with a loving family. She married her best friend and fellow classmate, Elmo "McKinley" Cook, Sr., on April 30, 1960, in Spotsylvania, VA. To this union she gave birth to two sons and later raised her stepson. Mathelda helped raise her three children with love, kindness, meekness, patience, encouragement, discipline, and in the church. She was a wonderful wife and mother. "For her worth is far above rubies" Proverbs 31:10.

She loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She loved the Lord with all her heart and studied his holy word. She was a sports enthusiast that especially loved basketball, football, and baseball. Mathelda also enjoyed drag racing, fishing, gardening, traveling, spending time with family, and going to church. She will be dearly missed by all who truly loved her.
Mathelda worked for many years at Bakers Boot and Shoe Repair in downtown Fredericksburg, VA. She worked as a secretary, substitute teacher, and held various positions within the Spotsylvania County School system.

Mathelda was proceeded in death by her parents, Charlie Hampton and Vienna Wigglesworth Woodward; and her sister, Joyce Ann Woodward.

Mathelda leaves to cherish her memory to her loving and devoted husband of 62 years, McKinley Cook (affectionately known as her "Kinley"); her sons, Elmo (Francine) Cook, Kevin (Shelia) Cook of Spotsylvania, VA, and James "Larry" (Terri) Banks of Woodbridge, VA; her grandchildren, Cortez (Morgan) Cook, Caleb Cook, Keturah Cook, and Tabitha Cook; her brothers, Charles "Butch" (Lavern) Woodward, and John (Alice) Minor; her sisters, Delores Ford, Jacqueline Washington all of Spotsylvania, VA and Sandra (Stanley) Lewis of Richmond, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A viewing will be held at Wilderness Community Church on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Click here to view the live streaming of the service service via Zoom. The Zoom Meeting ID is 861 2746 4760. The Zoom Meeting Passcode is 619689. Click here to view the funeral service program. The interment will follow at Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.