Barbara Jean Milam Cook

Barbara Jean Milam Cook, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Harmar Place in Marietta, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 29, 1937, to Billy and Viva Milam in Maple Meadow, West Virginia.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Russell Glen Cook; her grandson, John Keith Shumate; her great-great-granddaughter, Arwen DeLaLuz; her sister, June Byrd; her brothers, Stanley, Sherman, and Larry Milam; her son-in-law, Ronnie Madison; and her daughter-in-law, Brenda Fury.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Troy Cook of Lower Salem, Ohio; her daughters, Vonnie (Jimmy) Shumate of Maple Meadow, West Virginia, Fran Madison, and Betty (Leroy) Evans of Hillsboro, West Virginia; and her grandchildren, Jim, Toni, Tonja, Jessie, Letitia, Schaunna, and Kailyn. She also leaves behind 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, all of whom will carry her memory forward.

Barbara’s life was a blessing to her family, and her love and legacy will continue through the generations she leaves behind. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she gave will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done.” — Proverbs 31:31

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McClure-Lankford Funeral Home.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley, West Virginia.