Frances Best Cook

During the peaceful morning hours of September 16, 2026, a gracious and special lady, Frances Best Cook, surrounded by her loving family, entered into her glorious place in heaven. We give thanks for her 85 years of a blessed life, and we rejoice that she is now in her eternal home.  

Frances was born on January 16, 1941, to the late Carl and Stella Best. She was a beloved wife,  a wonderful mother, a special grandmother, great-grandmother, and a dear sister. Her family was her greatest joy, and Frances loved and cherished the times that she was able to spend with each of them. Frances was devoted to making sure that those she loved felt cared for and cherished. That was the wonderful person she was.

Frances was an exceptional cook, and she took great pleasure in preparing delicious meals for her family and friends. Her home was a place where everyone was made feel welcome and loved. She also enjoyed being outdoors, and Frances loved the mountains she called home. During the summer months, Frances was forever busy preparing and canning vegetables for her family to enjoy throughout the year. It seemed Frances was always busy, always kind and caring, and always doing kind deeds for others.

 Frances was a member of Dutch Cove Baptist Church, and she found great strength and comfort in her faith. Her life was an inspiration to her family and an example for us each to follow. Her beautiful name- Frances- has the meaning of a free spirit and a sincere heart, so fitting for her, whose wonderful life was marked by a steadfast and caring heart. We shall always remember her beautiful smile!  

Her precious memory will live on in the wonderful Cook family gatherings, in the sharing of her favorite recipes and in the quiet beauty of the mountains that she so loved. Frances will remain a part of us forever.

                                                                                                     Her children arise up, and call her blessed.

                                                                                                                       Proverbs  31:28 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Bill Cook, who passed away in 2023; her brothers, Carroll Best, Kenneth Best, JR Best; and her sister, Marie Byers

Surviving are her son, Carroll Cook; her daughter, Genean Pless, and her husband, David Pless; grandchildren, Joni Pless Mease and her husband, Justin, and Matthew Pless and his wife Brittany Pless; great-grandchildren, Jake Mease, Sawyer Mease, Luke Mease, Warren and Leah Pless; a sister, Bobbie King; also several sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; and cousins.  

 A funeral service to honor the life of Mrs. Cook will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Pastor Issac Brooks and Pastor Dan Page will be officiating.  The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be at Morning Star Community Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers will be David Pless, Matthew Pless, Justin, Jake, Luke,  and Sawyer Mease; honorary pallbearers will be, Jeff and Bobby Moore and Warren and Leah Pless

At other times, friends may visit with the family at the home.

Memorials may be made in Mrs. Cook’s memory to Dutch Cove Baptist Church, 4161 Dutch Cove Road, Canton, NC

28716

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Cook family.