01/31/2026
Cecilia Katherine Keith Cook
On January 19, 2026, Cecilia Katherine Keith Cook passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 101.
Known affectionately as “Cele,” she was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1924, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to John A. and Johanna (Werner) Keith. She grew up in a Catholic family alongside six siblings, an upbringing that shaped her lifelong devotion to God, hard work, and perseverance.
A gifted and determined student, Cele graduated with honors from Mount Saint Mary’s Academy in 1942. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Arkansas in 1946 and went on to receive a master’s degree in Biochemistry from Marquette University in 1947 — an uncommon and impressive achievement for a young woman of her generation. Her education reflected the intelligence, discipline, and quiet confidence that defined her life.
In 1950, she married Charles Edd Cook, and together they raised their children in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Cele balanced family life with remarkable energy, working at various times as a chemistry professor at Northwestern State University, chairing community organizations, and serving as the steady force who kept her busy household running smoothly. She seemed able to do it all and rarely slowed down.
After 27 years of marriage, she and Charlie chose separate paths, but Cele remained rooted in Natchitoches for more than six decades. In 2018, she moved to Dallas to be closer to her daughter Lynn.
Strong, capable, and independent, Cele built a successful career in real estate, becoming an owner and manager of her own company. She served in leadership roles locally and statewide, worked as an appraiser, and even earned a contractor’s license to build homes. She was never intimidated by new challenges and approached life with determination and practicality. If something needed to be done, Cele simply figured out how to do it.
Active in both her church and community, she generously gave her time to many organizations, including Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters, Service League, Chamber of Commerce, Medical Auxiliary, Louisiana Outdoor Drama, the Boys & Girls Club, and numerous civic efforts.
Cele also had an adventurous spirit and created lasting family memories through month-long summer camping trips across the country with her children — experiences filled with laughter, resilience, and discovery. She was a golfer, water skier, and even became a licensed pilot. She loved trying new things and embraced life with curiosity and courage.
Cele’s life included both deep joys and profound losses. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Tom and John; her sisters Mary and Joan; and four beloved children, Janice, Don, Kathy, and Chris. Through every chapter, she met life with strength and grace.
She is survived by her sisters, Sister Judith Marie Keith of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Sue Wrappe of Little Rock, Arkansas; and three children: Lynn Hanks and her husband Bill of Plano, Texas; Carol McBride of Flint, Texas; and Keith Cook and his wife Betsy of Natchitoches, Louisiana. She also leaves eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, who will forever carry forward her stories, values, and love of family.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Visitation in the church hall will begin at 9:30 a.m., with Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment at the cemetery will be private for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Natchitoches or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
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