Hezerine Zeta Lawson – Cooke

Hezerine Cooke passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at the age of 79 years.

Hezerine Zeta Lawson Cooke, affectionately known as “Cons,” assumed various roles and titles throughout her life. She was a cherished daughter, dedicated educator, loving wife, nurturing mother, devoted sister in Christ, loyal friend, acquaintance, and much more. Born on January 9, 1944, in the rural community of Lambs River, Westmoreland; she was the only child to Ms. Violet Martin and Mr. Whitty Lawson, a pastor in the Pentecostal Church.

Due to her mother’s Baptist beliefs and practices, they decided to relocate from Westmoreland. They briefly resided in the community of Garlands before settling in the suburban area of Tucker, St. James. Hezerine possessed scholarly qualities, innovation, and unwavering determination. She aspired to be more than an average high school graduate and had a deep desire to become a schoolteacher. To fulfill this dream, she built a small bamboo structure in her mother’s yard, where she taught young children from the community how to read and write. Her endeavors in this makeshift school earned her legendary status, and she eventually moved on to establish the first basic school in the Montego Bay area, located on Mr. Kerr-Jarrett’s estate in Mt. Salem, where the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh Day Adventists is presently situated.

While teaching at the Northwestern Academy Open Bible School, Hezerine’s passion for professional growth propelled her to pursue higher education. Her exceptional performance in the First, Second, and Third Jamaica Local Examinations paved the way for her admission into Teachers’ College. She obtained her teaching credentials at St. Joseph Teachers’ College and later furthered her qualifications at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College as a Primary/Elementary School Teacher. With her profession dedicated to education, Hezerine made a remarkable impact on the lives of young individuals and contributed to the development of her community and nation. She won many awards for art under the then Minister of Education Burchell Whiteman. Throughout her career, she taught at various schools in Kingston, Portland, and St. James, notably serving at Anchovy Primary School for an outstanding tenure of approximately 33 years.

Hezerine never settled for mediocrity and possessed an inquisitive mind, which was blessed by God. While working as a pastor’s secretary at The First Church of The Open Bible in Montego Bay, she questioned her pastor about the biblical Sabbath. Unsatisfied with the answers she received, she embarked on a quest for biblical truth. Her spiritual journey led her away from the nominal church and into the company of Sabbath Keepers. In the early part of 1976, Hezerine attended an Evangelistic Campaign held by the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Montego Bay. It was there that her inquiries about the Sabbath were finally answered, leading her to become a devoted Seventh Day Adventist believer. She was among a small group of approximately 30 believers who were the pioneers of the now-established Seventh Day Adventist Church in Harrison, located in the community of Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, St. James.

The story unfolded as a prayer group of newly baptized members gathered under a fruit tree on the old school grounds of Harrison Memorial High School in Montego Bay. It was there that Hezerine met and prayed with Mr. Glenville Cooke, who, as Solomon wisely stated, found a good thing in her and became the love of her life. On March 9, 1980, they exchanged marital vows, sealing their commitment of love to one another. Together, they experienced a fruitful and loving life, with their one and only daughter, Naidia, who brought immeasurable joy to their lives.

Hezerine, lovingly addressed as “Cons” or “Honey” by her husband, possessed a playful side. During light-hearted moments, she engaged in playful activities and entertained the family with dress-up sessions that brought laughter into their home. As a self-proclaimed tailor and dressmaker, her husband and Naidia became her primary models. Additionally, Hezerine showcased her talent as an interior decorator by frequently rearranging her bedroom furniture, linens, and curtains.

She diligently served the Lord in various leadership roles, contributing to the growth and development of the church and the Kingdom. She took on positions such as Treasurer, Sabbath School Superintendent, Divisional Leader, Sabbath School Teacher, Family Life Director, Personnel Ministries Secretary, Investment Coordinator, Women’s Ministry leader and Chorister, to name a few. Hezerine had a strong passion for orderliness in worship and displayed reverence for the house of the Lord. She always presented herself in immaculate attire for all occasions, particularly when entering God’s sanctuary. Discipline and the exhibition of good manners were significant to her, regardless of the level of interaction.

On the eve of May 23, 2023, while on her long-awaited first vacation with her husband in Canada, Hezerine Zeta Cooke peacefully passed away. Hezerine is survived by her beloved husband, Glenville Cooke, her cherished daughter, Naidia Cooke-Raymond, her son-in-law, Andre Raymond, her granddaughter, Alaia, her brothers-in-law, Raphael, Collin, and Howard, her sisters-in-law, Monica, Pamella, and Kathlyn, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandnieces, grandnephews, other relatives, friends, and church family.

We eagerly anticipate the day when the darkness of the night dissipates, and Hezerine’s new title will transcend earthly perception, embracing a heavenly designation.

A Funeral Ceremony for Hezerine will take place on Sunday June 25, 2023 at Cornerstone Seventh-day Adventist Church (1829 54 St SE Unit 103, Calgary) at 1:00pm Mountain Standard Time

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Hezerine Cooke Service Program

Graveside Service will take place on Monday June 26, 2023 at Rockyview Garden of Peace Cemetery (243208 Garden Rd, Calgary) at 12:00pm