Cora Elizabeth Rice Shook

ALEXANDER—Cora Elizabeth Rice Shook went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, surrounded by her family and friends, after living a century plus 2 years, 11 months, and 25 days. She was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her. Cora, a native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, was born October 4, 1907. She was the last surviving child of the late Elisha and Hester Sprinkle Rice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hobart Shook, who passed away in 1968; five infant babies; and her son-in-law, Rex Thompson, who passed away in 2005. Also preceding her in death were her brothers, Melvin, Murphy, Kenneth, Wesley, and Otis Rice; and her sisters, Martha Duyck and Eva Edwards. Surviving are her son, Hoyt B. Shook and his wife Edna of Candler; and her daughter, Wanda Thompson of Alexander, with whom she resided. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Marcia Atkinson and husband David, Bob Thompson, Regina Messer and husband Gene, Chris Reece and wife Melissa, Tonya Thomas and husband Aaron. She had nine great grandchildren, Adam Atkinson and wife Amy, Elizabeth Atkinson and fiance Austin Penley, Ashley Parker and wife Lindsey, Jennifer Baker and husband Donnie, Sydney, Morgan, and Noah Thomas, Cole and Cooper Reece; and three great great grandchildren. Cora was a beautiful and generous person. She learned to sew at a very young age, and she was an excellent seamstress and quilter. She enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens and canning and preparing wonderful meals for her family. Cora was a devoted Christian and a wonderful example and influence to her family and friends. Cora was a member of Locust Grove Baptist Church for over 55 years, where she was a prayer warrior, former Sunday School and Bible School teacher. She loved her church and attended faithfully until her health failed. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 2, 2010, in Locust Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Ben Whitmire and Rev. Walter Ponder officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob Thompson, Adam Atkinson, David Atkinson, Chris Reece, Aaron Thomas, Austin Penley, and Charles Raymond Rice. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM, Friday at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville. At other times the family will be at the home of Wanda Thompson, 1184 Lower Flat Creek Rd., Alexander. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated or memorials can be made to the Locust Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 330 Locust Grove Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787. A very special thank you to Peggy Howell, CNA, for her wonderful and faithful care to Mother. www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com