Carolyn Louise (Layton) Cook, 90, of Dow, formerly of East Alton, was called home to heaven on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Carolyn was born Aug. 13, 1934 in Alton, Illinois to Leroy and Mildred (Emmons) Layton. She graduated from Alton High School. She married Adron Lavelle Cook on Nov. 12, 1954, at the United Brethren Church in Wood River.
Carolyn spent her life as a devoted homemaker, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and Girl Scout leader. She loved painting, calligraphy, and solving word puzzles. Carolyn spent a great deal of time gardening and canning for her family – though these were not her favorite activites. She loved her church family and was very active there. She served many years as a Sunday school teacher, Administrative Board member, church Treasurer, and UMW Treasurer.
Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Marlene (William) Knetzer of Alton, Janette (Bryan) Wilburn of Alton, Cheryl (Randy) Newberry of Dow, Sarah (Aaron) Hankins of Rosewood Heights, as well as one son, Michael (Karen) Cook of Wood River.
She has 14 grandchildren, Carol (Jeff) Heisse, Paul Knetzer, Matthew Knetzer, Timothy Perry, Jonathan (Kiki) Newberry, Nicholas Newberry, David (Ariel) Cook, Kenneth Cook, Daniel Newberry, Kylinn Boyer, Samual (Leah) Cook, Colton (Raegan) Boyer, Katherine Cook, Parker Hankins; six great-grandchildren, Jordan (Haylee) Hewitt, Logan Heisse, William Knetzer, Audrey Newberry, Arthur Newberry, Jessie Bennett; and twenty-two step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Surviving family also includes a sister, Sharon (Phillip) Grable, and a sister-in-law, Lavon Cook.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Adron; her brothers, Robert Leroy Layton and Michael Leroy Layton; and her sister, Francis Pauline (Layton) Coil.
Visitation was held be at 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, at the Jerseyville Methodist Church with service immediately following. Carolyn wanted her service to be a celebration – her birthday party in her heavenly home. Feel free to wear bright colors, your smiles, and share happy memories of her. A private graveside ceremony at Woodland Hill Cemetery will be held later in the afternoon.
Because Carolyn has family members who suffer with SMA, she has requested that any memorials be given to “CURE SMA” (Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a rare and debilitating genetic condition that causes muscle weakness and wasting. SMA can affect a child’s ability to crawl, walk, sit up, and control head movements including those used for breathing and swallowing). CURE SMA has been instrumental in early detection and treatment in the lives of many children including these two young girls.
Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville has been entrusted with arrangements.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com