Victoria M. Cooke

Victoria M. Cooke was born on December 25, 1924, in Okala, Florida, to the late Harry Williams and Lucy Chandler. Shortly thereafter, she was sent to Hempstead, Long Island, where she was raised by her late grandmother, Frances Chandler. A survivor of the Great Depression, Victoria developed a strong work ethic and deep sense of family from an early age, taking on various domestic jobs in her youth.

She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1942 and went on to work as a riveter at Floyd Bennett Field during war times for several years. After the war, Victoria pursued her passion for caregiving by applying to nursing school. She trained and lived on Governors Island, where she became a Registered Nurse.

In 1949, she met a young man named Earnest James Cooke. The two began dating and were married on September 15, 1950. The couple initially shared a home with their uncle, Nathan Chandler, in Bricktown, New York. On February 27, 1952, they welcomed their first child, Earnest James Cooke Jr. Shortly after, they moved to Levittown, New York, becoming the first Black family to own a home in the neighborhood. While some neighbors were welcoming, they endured significant racism during this time.

On August 4, 1954, they welcomed their second son, the late Curtis S. Cooke. Their family was then completed with the birth of their daughter, Mary F. Cooke, on September 4, 1958. That same year, the family of five relocated to South Ozone Park, Queens.

During their time in South Ozone Park, Victoria was a devoted community leader who organized numerous neighborhood youth programs, helping young people secure summer employment. She was actively involved in organizations that hosted cotillions for Black youth and was a dedicated member of her local church. She retired from her career as a Registered Nurse in 1985 and, inspired by her husband, later worked as a teacher’s aide. Moreover, Victoria also enjoyed traveling with her husband, visiting destinations such as St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Canada, and traveling coast to coast across the United States. Victoria and her family continued to establish lasting roots in Queens, New York until the passing of her beloved husband, Earnest J. Cooke Sr. on December 16, 1997.

Following the passing of her husband, Victoria sought a new chapter and relocated to Florence, South Carolina, on January 1, 2000, where she joined her dear friend, the late Mildred Jones. There, she became an active member of Trinity Baptist Church, serving on the nurses committee, participating in the police auxiliary, and joining a crocheting group. Through this group, she lovingly donated dozens of hand-crocheted blankets to McLeod Hospital. She also cherished spending her summers traveling and exploring with her granddaughter, Miracle Rose Cooke.

Victoria leaves to cherish her memory her son, Earnest J. Cooke Jr.; her daughter, Mary F. Cooke; her grandson, Damion T. Norwood; her granddaughter, Miracle R. Cooke; and her great-grandchildren, Makayla and Mariah Norwood. Also survived by a host of loving cousins and cherished friends. 

Please keep the family of Victoria M. Cooke in your thoughts and prayers.