Litty M. Cooks

Litty Mae Cooks (Wanamaker) of Bethlehem, PA passed away peacefully on February 16, 2018 at her home. Born on October 4, 1938 in Jackson, South Carolina, to the late Marie Virginia and Deacon Henry Cooks. Litty followed her older sister Amy to Bethlehem at 15 years of age. She spent several years in Brooklyn, New York then returned to Bethlehem,  where she worked for many years, as a Nurse’s Aide at the Blough Nursing Home in Bethlehem and Mary Ellen Convalescent Home in Hellertown, during this time she also worked many years as a cook for Lehigh University.

She was a member of Virginia E. Holland, Chapter #86, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Adopted, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Lehigh Temple#930, Daughters of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. Litty loved her Sisters and Daughters of the orders and she worked tireless for many years in both organizations.  When she was able to get around Litty was also very active in her community, serving at the southside neighborhood center, she was block-watch captain for the Mechanic Street area where she lived, she was on duty at the polls for every election and was also known for making the Best macaroni and cheese in town. 

At an early age Litty dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jackson, South Carolina, she later united with the Saint Paul Baptist Church of Bethlehem, Pa. Even though she was home-bound for a long time, Litty loved St Paul and especially “her Deacon and Deaconess”, Deacon Sam Burgess and Sister Shirley Parks. Litty looked forward to “her Deacon” coming by to pray with her and bring her communion and sometimes sneak her a piece of cake sent by Sister Burgess. It was the small things that mattered most to her, a phone call, a visit, a picture and during her last hospital stay she was introduced to facetime. These things brought the most joy. Litty never had any biological children, but she babysat and loved on a host of nieces and nephews and all of their children.   

She leaves to cherish her memories and happy times, her sister Hattie M. Pena of Bethlehem, Pa, and Brother David H. Cooks of Allentown, beloved niece, Davina Cooks who lived with her, nieces Sarah Davis and Francine Woodard of Bethlehem, Jackie Moody (Ernest) Forest Hts, Md. Joyce Adams and Elizabeth Woodrow of Syraccuse NY, nephews Mark A. Woodard (Janine) of Bethlehem Earl and Jerry Woodrow of Syracuse, NY, 6 great nieces, 6 great nephews, many great-great nieces, great-great nephews, cousins, her Church Family and many friends. She is predeceased by, sister Amy Simpkins and brother Keen Woodrow.

Funeral Services will take place on Friday at 10AM in St. Paul Baptist Church 925 E. Goepp Street, Bethlehem, PA.  Viewing beings at 8:30AM.  Interment will follow services in Greenwood Cemetery-Allentown.

*Full Obituary Will be posted as available.

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