Barbara Cook

Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a love one's gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, or as long as there is memory they'll live on in the heart.

Barbara R. Black was born on February 6, 1939 in Morrilton, Arkansas to the proud parents, Lewis J. Black and Willie Jewel. Later in life,
William Henderson became "Dad." Barbara was the first child born in the family. As a young child, Barbara enjoyed hanging out with her sibling providing guidance and protection as an older sister.

In 1943, her parents relocated the family to Denver, Colorado. The family united with the Central Baptist Church on 24th and California Street, where they would walk to church on Sunday mornings. Frequently, while church services were going on the siblings and friends would slip out the back door, go to the corner store and then watch the baseball game at the park next to the church. Then get back before church services were over. Walk to their grandparent's house for early dinner then walk back home. Barbara loved school and going to church that's where she met her best friend of 50 plus years, Alice Faye Steele,
at age twelve. They were like two peas in a pod. A bond that was never broken.

Barbara received her formal education in the Denver Public School District and graduated from Manual High School. She later received her certificate for cosmetology at Emily Griffith Opportunity School. As a young woman, Barbara worked alongside her mother at Spartes Laffet's in Larimer Square. She had many other jobs early in life Beth Israel Hospital (Denver, Colorado), Sky Chefs (Denver International Airport), and The United States Postal Service.

By profession, Barbara worked as a baker for the Denver and Aurora Public Schools. She took pride in her profession, she was hard working, dependable, and performed her duties with a spirit of excellence. She retired after many years of faithful and dedicated service.

In 1958, Barbara met and married Charlie Ellis in Denver, Colorado. To this union, four beautiful children were born, Cynthia, Robert, Michael, and Sherri.

In 1981, Barbara married, Riley Cook, and one son, Eugene, was born. The relationship she shared with her children was one of a doting mother, who only wanted what was best for them. She truly enjoyed all the happy and precious moments they all shared together. Barbara was later blessed with thirteen grandchildren, Laticia Rivers, Alexis Johnson, Reggie Ellis, Jerome Deon Ellis, Corey Ellis, Javon Carter, Jessica Bowers, Jaqueline Bowers, Steven Burrell, Deidra Cook, Syeeda Keith, Roberta Wells, and Shatona Carter; thirty-three great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in her life. They too have shared many happy and memorable moments together.

A woman of faith and belief in the Lord. Barbara was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church for many years. Later in life she became a member of For His Glory Christian Fellowship. She was a fun-loving woman who enjoyed life and those she encircled. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking, baking, traveling, and playing cards. She was an avid Bronco fan and held season tickets for many years. But most of all she enjoyed and loved family and friends. She was always ready for a party. Within the last few months she had a pajama party, super bowl party, and last but not least she had a hotel birthday party. She was always surrounded by her family and friends. She was truly loved and will be missed dearly. "B.C." was the nickname her children, grandchildren, and some friends would call her.

Her friend, Alice Faye, will miss the friendship they shared over the past 50 years, the conversations that kept them laughing, crying, and sometimes mad. But a caring and loving friend forever.

She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind, awesome and loving woman. To know Barbara is to love her.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis J. Black, Willie Jewel Henderson, and William Henderson, daughter Cynthia Burrell, two sons Robert and Michael Ellis, two brothers, Harold Hankins and Jerry Black, one sister, Joyce Wilson, one granddaughter, Shatona Carter, and great-grandson, Osris Bowers.

On February 25, 2019, Barbara R. Cook departed this life to the embrace of the Lord. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her death include, son Eugene J. Cook of Greeley, Colorado, daughter Sherri (Alex Johnson) Ellis of Aurora, Colorado; three brothers, George L. (Alma) Black of Centennial, Colorado, William E. (Kay) Henderson, Johnny (Terri) Henderson, both of
Aurora, Colorado; three sisters, Doris M. (Thomas, II) Hill of Conyers, Georgia, Pastor Jewel (Manual) Johnson of Aurora, Colorado, Wilma Jefferson of Los Angeles, California; thirteen grandchildren, Laticia Rivers, Alexis Johnson, Jerome Deon Ellis, Reggie Ellis, Corey Ellis, Deidra Cook, Steven Burrell all of Aurora, Colorado, Javon Carter, Jessica Bowers, Jacqueline Bowers, all of Denver, Colorado, Syeeda Keith of Dallas, Texas and Roberta Wells of Colorado Springs, Colorado; thirty-three great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

Visitation : March 8, 2019 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Celebration of Life : March 9, 2019 11:00 am

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Interment : March 9, 2019 1:30 pm

Highland Cemetery
10201 North Grant Street
Thornton, CO

Reception : March 9, 2019 2:30 pm

Pipkin Braswell
6601 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80220