Dorothy J. Cook

Dorothy J. Cook, age 96, of Jefferson City, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2019, at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City.   

Dorothy was born August 26, 1923, in rural Linn, a daughter to the late Tom and Molly (Terrill) Matthews.  

She attended the Linn School District and was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jefferson City.

In 1941 she was united in marriage to Richard J. Hemmel in Jefferson City. He preceded her in death in 1972. She later married William S. Cook in 1973. He preceded her in death as well in 1992.

Dorothy had been employed at International Shoe Factory in Jefferson City for many years. She retired from St. Mary’s Hospital as a Nursing Assistant after 22 years.

Dorothy loved doing puzzles, enjoyed embroidery and having family gatherings where she enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Dorothy loved spending time with her family and talking about family history. She was a sweet caring person who believed in treating people the way you would want to be treated. Often in later years, people she had cared for in the past would remember her and she would always make time to speak with them.

Dorothy is survived by: one daughter, Margaret Sue (Hemmel) Manning of Jefferson City; two grandchildren, Karla S. Thompson and her husband Rick of Jefferson City and Michael B. Manning of Jefferson City; one great-grandson, Jacob C. Thompson and his wife Deanna of Rocky Mount; and two great-great-grandchildren, Trinity F. and Gavin C. Thompson as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In addition to both of her husbands, Dorothy is preceded in death by five brothers, Paul, Louis, Herbert, Bill and Virgil Matthews and five sisters, Clara Olsen, Sophie Huot, Opal Butler, Pearl Bennett, and Nadine Cooke. Also a son-in-law, Oliver R. Manning, III.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2019 at Heisinger Bluffs Chapel in Jefferson City 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 p.m. with Pastor Jim Mueller. Interment will follow in the Resurrection Cemetery.   

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.