Mrs. Veronica LaRue Hicks Cooke, 73, of Connelly Springs, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, January 8, 2023, following a period of declining health.
Veronica was born on January 16, 1949 in Randolph County, to the late Early Ray Hicks and Celia Mae Wright Hicks. She was a longtime member of Crosslink Church and was the former owner and operator of Lowman’s Florist in Rutherford College. Veronica was a faithful Christian wife, mother, Nana and great-Nana, who loved her church, her family, gardening, cooking, journaling in her bible, and laughing with her friends and family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Cooke, a brother, Stephen Dale Hicks, and the father of her children, Roger Smith.
Survivors include her son, Mark Smith and wife Carol of Connelly Springs, her daughter, Michelle Robinson and husband Jeff of Rutherford College, five grandchildren; Jarrett Robinson, Abby Chapman and husband Daniel, Kyle Smith and wife Miranda, Macy Smith and Carson Smith, and two great-grandchildren, Baylee and Hudson Chapman. Also surviving are three brothers: Horace Ray Hicks of Arizona, Bruce Daniel Hicks of Greensboro, and Aaron Bryan Hicks and wife Mary of Reidsville, and sister in-law, Angie Hicks of Georgia, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life for Veronica will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Crosslink Church, with Rev. Mark Smith and Rev. Joe Barrett officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Rutherford College, with Jeff Robinson, Jarrett Robinson, Daniel Chapman, Kyle Smith, Carson Smith and James Seagle serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. at Crosslink Church.
Memorials may be sent to Crosslink Church, P.O. Box 846, Rutherford College, NC 28671.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the family of Veronica Cooke.
She will be missed. Sweet, caring lady. Looking forward,d to seeing her a gain.
A sweet lady gone way to soon . You will definitely be missed . You was a great friend to anybody you came in contact with and had the biggest heart of anyone I know . Rest in peace sweet lady . Love you .
A very sweet lady that I always thought the world of she had the heart of gold and would do anything for anyone if she could . You will greatly be missed and always hard to lose a mama . A mama is more than just a mama . Prayers for the family and friends.
One of my dearest friends. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. Always smiling and happy. We will meet again.
Veronica was one-in-a-million. She was a blessing to every life she touched. Her every word and action flowed from a loving and sincere heart. She adored her children and grandchildren, and carried them always in her heart. She endured, she forgave, she restored and she hoped.
Her smile lit up her whole face and her eyes twinkled with joy (or maybe it was mischief).
Veronica lived what she believed every day. It was an honor and privilege to call her my friend.
Praying for strength and peace for Mark, Michelle and your families.
Sorry for your loss. In our thoughts and prayers Love in Christ.
Marie and I send our deepest condolences to Veronica’s family. May God wrap his arms of comfort around each of you during this difficult time.
We are praying for the entire family. God bless you!
Veronica was one of a kind. The old saying, “God broke the mold when she was born” certainly applies to her life and legacy. She was one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever met — or known. You just loved to be around her hoping some of her goodness and grace and joie de vivre would rub off on you. Of course, she would always source the person she was to the Grace of God. But, we have to choose to get ourselves out of the way, let go and let God. And she did. Our friendship derives from our days at John Wesley College over 50 years ago. But it now extends into eternity where I am sure, she is still wearing the smile Jesus gave her.
Veronica was my friend and floral mentor! Her love for Jesus was always present and she was a ray of sunshine to anyone who was near her. I will see you again in heaven.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
She was the sweetest lady! The wonderful family she has shows what a very special person she was!! My thoughts and prayers to all the family!
Veronica was so special to so many people. I loved her from the very first time I met her. She did the flowers for Rick’s and my wedding. She was so precious and caring. We will miss her so much but we know we will see her again in heaven. Praise the Lord! I am sick but Rick is planning to come to the service tomorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the precious family members during this time.
So very sorry to read of Veronica’s passing. I know her children and grandchildren thought the world of her and their hearts are hurting. Mark, Michelle and their families are all in my thoughts.