The Reverend Wanda E. (Kellems) Cook
Born June 15, 1950
The Reverend Wanda E. (Kellems) Cook, age 66, of Newark, DE, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2016.
Born in Baltimore, MD on June 15, 1950, she was the daughter of the late James Robert and Wanda (Toney) Kellems. A woman of strong faith, Pastor Cook served as a lay minister at Cedars United Methodist Church in Wilmington and later served concurrently as Pastor at both Christiana United Methodist Church and its sister church, Union United Methodist Church in Bear. In 2010, she was appointed Head Pastor of Christiana United Methodist Church, where she has faithfully served her congregation ever since.
Pastor Cook adored music of all kinds, but was especially fond of southern gospel and country. She was a gifted songstress and was the lead singer of the group “Justified.” In her leisure time, Pastor Cook enjoyed crafting and was a talented seamstress. She will be lovingly remembered for her devotion to her faith, family and community.
In addition to her parents, Pastor Cook was preceded in death by her daughter, Tammy Lynn Dickson. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Walter Cook of Newark; step sons, William H. Cook, Rondal D. Cook and Charles J. Cook; sister-in-Law, Sara Blevin; grandson, Joseph H. Dickson III; and step granddaughters, Victoria and Nicole Cook.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday evening, December 2, 2016 at the Christiana United Methodist Church, 21 W. Main St., Christiana, DE, where a funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm. A second visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:00 am on Saturday morning, December 3, 2016 at the church. A graveside service and interment will follow at 11:30 am on Saturday morning in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christiana U.M.C., 21 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19702.
Jean Cook
My heart goes out to you. I will always hear Wanda singing.
Her voice was fantastic. I know she will have a place in the angel
choir. Sorry, I cannot be with you in person, but will be in thought.
Love to all,
Jean
Krissy Halkes
We are so very sorry to hear of this sad loss for Pastor Wanda’s family and community.
Pastor Wanda was of great comfort and support to our family when our dad passed away last month. She led his service at Christiana United Methodist Church and her singing of Amazing Grace for him was so beautiful.
Her compassion and love for all were so evident. Her kindness and gentle strength were so very much appreciated and softened our grief.
We are grateful we had the opportunity to meet such a beautiful and loving soul.
krissy Halkes and Cindy Schaefer
daughters of Betty Luderitz and the late Fred Luderitz.
Yvonne Jackson
Walt, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of my dear friend. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to know Wanda. So appreciative that she was able to participate in our District Laity celebrations over the years. Wanda had such a sweet spirit about herself and a melodious voice that I will never forget. May the blessings of the Lord be with you now and always. You are loved.
Kimberly Thorpe
Just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to all of Pastor Wanda’s friends and family. Pastor Wanda was a big part of my Aunt Melody and Uncle Jimmy Thorpe’ life until my Aunt passed away in May. Pastor Wanda did her service, she was amazing. Her sense of caring for her community really showed and I know she has been a big comfort to my Uncle. I’m sorry again for your loss .
Joann Richter
A lovely lady who will be missed. A grateful person who embraced her devotion to her faith.
Butch ingram
Walt,very sorry to hear of the passing of your wife.you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Butch
Denise and Don Founds
Wanda and Walter Cook were our closest friends. They were very instrumental in our wedding ceremony and the reception that followed. Denise was Wanda’s mentor in becoming a pastor.
Wanda was a wonderful human being. She was kind and generous. She was passionate about helping all kinds of people in any way she could. We were blessed to have her as a friend. We will greatly miss her. Denise and Don Founds.
Howdy
Thank You for your thoughts and prayers. We know you’ll be here in spirit. God Bless!
Walter Cook
Thanks for your prayers and wishes. She has served us all for many years. Her work is now finished and its time for her reward. She was a blessing to everyone she touched. I can’t look at anything without seeing and feeling her there. She was the best of best.
Walter Cook
Thanks for thoughts. Keep on praying.
Jeff
I was deeply distraught to hear the sad news of your passing Pastor Cook.
I’m glad that I met you and had a chance to hear you preach at Union United Methodist and when you blessed my cat.
Bless you Pastor Wanda Cook…..Softly and Tenderly…Jesus is calling….