ELINDA KAY VANOVER COOKE

Elinda Kay (Vanover) Cooke, 73, passed away on March 23, 2026 in London, KY comfortably at home surrounded by her family.

Kay was born to James Willard Vanover and Bobbie Lou (Robertson) Vanover of Middlesboro, KY on October 20, 1952. She was a 1970 graduate of Middlesboro High School and then received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Kentucky University and her Master’s Degree in Education from Union College. She was passionate about education and served her community and her students for 37 years at Middlesboro Middle School and Southeast Community College. She touched the lives of every student that she encountered and genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to educate the next generation. As a retired teacher, she cherished moments spent with her former colleagues telling stories about their teaching journeys and the students they encountered along the way. This special group remained longtime friends and visited her frequently, making every moment count.

Kay deeply loved her family. She was blessed to meet the love of her life, Andy Cooke, during their college years. They married on August 3, 1974, and she spent 51 wonderful years by his side. They created a family built around faith, integrity, and love. One of her greatest blessings was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She did not miss an opportunity to attend every game, ceremony, or school program that she could. She loved to talk about their achievements, their differing personalities, and their occasional mischief. She found her greatest joy in her grandchildren and fully enjoyed every aspect of being their beloved “Nana”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Bobbie Vanover, of Middlesboro, KY and her sister Alice Yeary of Fairfield, OH.

She is survived by her husband, William Andrew Cooke; daughter Allison Barton (Trevor), grandsons Shepherd and Greyson Barton of London, KY; son Brian Cooke (Brittany), granddaughters Meela and Harper Cooke of London, KY. She is also survived by her brother Ron Vanover (Chrysteen) of Walton, KY; sister in law Cynthia (Cooke) Whitt of London, KY; brother in law Steve Yeary of Fairfield, OH, and aunt Zella (Vanover) Sheckels of Middlesboro, KY. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins that made her life complete. Special recognition also goes to The Creek Sisters. She loved serving, learning, and building friendships with this group of ladies that held a special place in her heart.

Her legacy lives on through her family and friends, who will remember her kindness, her sweet smile, and her unwavering generosity. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.

The family of Kay Cooke will receive friends Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Green Hills Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Funeral services will follow at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Green Hills Funeral Home chapel with Trevor Barton presiding.

Graveside services will follow at Green Hills Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Steve Yeary, Josh Yeary, Steve Roark, Ben Roark, Michael Coe, and Justin Brock.

Honorary pallbearers are Darshak Dholakia, Jay Mappala, Chuck Wilson, and Roger Caldwell.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is honored to serve the Cooke family. 

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