It is with deep and profound sympathy that we announce the transition of Deacon Elester "Lester" Cooks who entered into rest May 28, 2025.

Deacon Cooks was a proud graduate of Martha Schofield High School. He served honorably in the United States Navy. He was a member of Second Providence Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board Ministry.

He was united in marriage to Earnest Callaham Cooks who preceded him in death and their eldest son Derick Cooks.

Left to cherish his memory are wife, Dirine Jenkins Cooks; his children, Mark (Cynthia) Cooks, Leslie (Renaldo) Woolfolk, Reginald (Dottie) Cooks and Dr. Quentin (Victoria) Cooks; stepchildren, J. Arthur (Geneva) Harris, Jr., Alvin (Yvette) Harris, Karen (Warren) Volition and Broderick (Vonda) Calhoun; his siblings, Ray (Laura) Cooks, Thomas Cooks, Christine Cooks- Lyons and Gloria Cooks; sisters-in-law, Fannie Callaham Abney, Alafare Callaham, Barbara Callaham Hammond and Sadie Cooks Harris; thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and one great great grandchild; a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Second Providence Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Albert M. James officiating. Interment will follow in Second Providence Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Saturday at the funeral home.

Professional Care has been entrusted to G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-North Augusta.