Obituary: Ava Privette Cooke

Ava Privette Cooke, 91, of Kinston, passed away on February 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 1st, 2026, at 3:00 PM, at Edwards Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery.

A lifelong resident of Kinston, Ava devoted her life to caring for and serving her family. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Tommy, until his passing in 2008. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and loved ones. She cherished her Bible study and dear friends, and she lived a full and happy life. Ava never met anyone who didn’t quickly become her friend.

Ava is preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Thomas Haywood Cooke; her parents, Jim and Laura Privette; her sisters, Helen Hill, and Betty Brice Grady; her brothers, Horace Privette, George Privette, John Privette, and Robert Privette; one grandchild, Caison Isac Wahlen; and her beloved dog, Tucker.

She is survived by her beloved children, Cookie and Gary Emory, Tommy Jr. and Francine Cooke, Judy and Mike Morton, Susan and Joe Colomaio, and Ronnie Cooke; her sister, Cherie and Jimmy Guthrie, her special nephew, Frankie and Carolyn Privette; her grandchildren, David and Misty Emory, Erica Cooke, Cori and Patrick Raynor, Caroline Cooke Harris and Phil Harris, Blaire and Charles Sutton, Lauren and Dillon Fleming, Bryant and Hannah Cooke, Lindsey Morton, Erin and Trey Littleton and Tyler Cooke; 15 great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law, Barbara Cooke and Katherine Cooke; and several special nieces, nephews, and friends.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be made at www.edcwardsfhc.com.