Janet Hunter Cooke

   Janet Hunter Cooke, 85 of 1041 Northside Rd, Elizabeth City, died Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Wake Medical Center, Raleigh, following a brief illness.

   Mrs. Cooke was born in Norfolk, Virginia on March 4, 1940, and was the daughter of the later Abner Benton Hunter, Sr. and Lillian Nash Hunter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Perry, “R.P.” Cooke; and by brothers, A.B. Hunter, Jr. and Steven P. Hunter.

   Mrs. Cooke grew up on the family farm in Camden County, NC. After high school, she attended Chowan College but later graduated from Elizabeth City State University. She was a retired elementary teacher with Gates County Schools. She loved her students and fellow teachers at Sunbury Elementary and TS Cooper. She took great pride in being the wife of State Trooper and Magistrate, RP Cooke, whom she met after he stopped her one night in 1960. She was his faithful companion and helpmate for 46 years until he passed in 2007. Mrs. Cooke was a dedicated member of her cherished church, Berea Baptist, and served in her Sunday School class and Adult Choir. She is also a member of the South Mills Chapter #240, The Order of The Eastern Star. Her exuberant nature and joy for life (and hugs) will be missed by all who knew her.

   Surviving are her daughters, Judy C. McCreery (Michael) of Garner and Barbara C. Zeiger (Roger) of Gasburg, Va; a brother Harry Nash Hunter (Kerri) of Daytona Beach, FL; three grandchildren, Ashley McCreery, Scotty (Gabi) McCreery and Morgan Batten and great- grandchildren Madison, Avery and another great-grandson due in September.

   Funeral service will be held Monday, July 14th in the Berea Baptist Church Sanctuary. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Jason Wise will be conducting. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

   Contributions in her memory can be may to the General Fund of Berea Baptist Church, 2033 North Road St, Elizabeth City, NC, 27909.

   Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com