Cantrell Meshawn Cook

Cantrell Meshawn Cook, affectionately known as Candy, was called home Friday, June 15, 2018.  She was born October 30, 1977 in Palatka, FL to James and Belinda Cook.   

Candy received her education in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.  After graduating from Newburgh Free Academy she moved to Sarasota, FL she pursued a license in massage therapy at Florida College of Natural Health for Massage Therapy.

Candy’s greatest joys were her children, Maurice and TáLasisa. She celebrated every accomplishment they achieved and loved posting their pictures on Facebook.

Candy loved singing.  She immensely enjoyed the bond and lasting friendships developed while singing in the NFA Gospel Choir and the women’s group, Chaminade.  She also took pride in having been a part of Newburgh-based gospel choir, New York Unity.  She became very excited when the choir recorded a live album back in the early ‘90s.

Candy received Christ in her early twenties. She loved being taught the word of God and studying it with her father James.  She also loved being of service to the church.

Candy was the designated sweet potato pie maker for the family during the holidays.  During this time of year, she would dress up her daughter in different outfits and have her pose for pictures.  She also enjoyed connecting with people old and new on Facebook, and crocheting when she was feeling well.

Candy could be described as a giving and sharing spirit-she was very accommodating and hospitable to others.  She never hesitated to open her doors, or provide financial, emotional, spiritual, and physical support to family members and people she called friend. As her Aunt Gail put it: “Living in a way that reflects one’s values is not just about what you do or how/what you feel about a person. She would give you the shirt off her back; open her home to you no matter what your situation was. She would always put others in front of her despite what she may be dealing with.

She loved to laugh and be around family.  She loved vacationing to different places and enjoyed herself despite physical limitations.

Candy leaves to cherish her memory: a son, Maurice Cook, of Sarasota, FL; a daughter, TáLasisa McIntyre, of Sarasota, FL; parents, James R. Cook, Sr. and Belinda Cook, of Sarasota, FL; sister: Nakeisha Cook, of Sarasota, FL; brother: James Cook, Jr., of Sarasota, FL; maternal grandmother, Minnie Brown, Sarasota, FL; maternal grandfather, Clarence Fulton, Crescent City, FL; nephews: Jamari, Bryce, and Johnathon; aunts: Eyris Gail (Robert) Brown, of Philadelphia, PA; Vivian McDonald, of Hope Mills, NC; Darlene Cook, of South Daytona, FL; and Valerie (Ricky) Rhodes, of GA, uncles: Wayne Cook, of Seville, FL; Stanley (Rosetta) Cook, of Crescent City, FL, God sister: Ruby Banks, of Crescent City, FL, God brother: Aaron Lewis, of Philadelphia, PA, very special friends: Sue Burks, Kycheia Webb, and a host of treasured family and friends.

Viewing will be held 10am with Homegoing Services at 11am, both at Happy Gospel Church 1915 53rd Avenue East Bradenton, Florida.

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