Susette Cook

Susette Leigh Cook age 55, known lovingly as Susie, passed into her final peace on December 19, 2024, at the Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods in Byron Center, Michigan. Susie was a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew her. She gave love and genuine care to everyone she met and shared that love anytime they were together. May our many cherished memories give us comfort, as we continue on with the knowledge that she will now and forever be celebrating with her Savior, Jesus.

Born on January 30, 1969, to Richard and Carole (Venema) Graham in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Susie shared a special bond with her sister, Linda, with whom she created a lifetime of precious memories. As children, they loved playing with baby dolls together and spending time outdoors. One of their favorite traditions was taking small vacations “up north” every year, where they strengthened their sisterly bond and created moments they treasured throughout their lives.

A proud graduate of Creston High School’s Class of 1987, Susie pursued her passion for helping others by earning an associate’s degree in nursing from Grand Rapids Community College. As an LPN, she began her career at Christian Rest Home and then later, was a triage nurse at Trinity Health Rivertown for over 26 years. In her work, Susie touched countless lives with her compassion and kindness, building lasting relationships with her patients and coworkers.

In 1986, Susie met her beloved and future husband David, and they recently celebrated 35 years of marriage together. They were true soulmates, with a deep, unwavering love for each other. Their bond was a beautiful example of commitment, support, and joy. They built a life together full of love and they shared that love with their two beautiful children; Deanna, 31 and Graham, 22. 

Susie also had a deep love for teaching Sunday school and she cherished the special relationships built with the numerous children she taught over the years. She found joy in crafts and the creativity, which she often shared with her family and loved ones. Susie also loved camping and being surrounded by nature, where she felt a profound connection to the beauty of God’s creation. Above all, her family was most dear to her, and she found immense happiness in the time they spent together.

Susie’s defining quality was her unwavering love for God, which remained steadfast even during the toughest times in life. Her deep love for her family was unmatched, something she expressed in countless photos and the way she valued every moment spent with them. One of her frequent sayings that became even more true during the end of her cancer battle was, “One day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time” a reflection of her faith and resilience.

Susie is survived by her sister, Linda; her mother-in-law, Ruth; her loving husband, David; their son, Graham; their daughter, Deanna and partner, Mike Wheeler; along with their grandchildren, Maverick and Zuriya; her brothers and sisters in law: Jeff Lewis, Raymond and Francis Bartrum, Robert Vredeveld, Tammy and Jerry Bennett, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She is also survived by so many loving friends, as she had the rare ability to form close, meaningful connections with everyone she met. She lived her life with joy and intention, cherishing the people she met, her family, and even her lifelong childhood friends, known fondly as “The Fab 4.” Susie’s lasting impact is the deep bonds she built with everyone she knew and the love she shared in every moment together. Her family will miss her forever, holding on to the memories of her warmth, faith, and the beautiful example she set.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

– Psalm 23

The family will be hosting a visitation at 1:30pm followed by worship and celebrating Susie’s life to begin at 2:30pm on January 18, 2025 at 2627 44th St. SE, Kentwood, Michigan 49512, The Pentecostals of Kentwood; Jay Jones, Pastor. 

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