B-CC's Rev. Dr. Ernest C. Cook dies at 85

 

Reverend Dr. Ernest C. Cook

Reverend Dr. Ernest C. Cook, former Vice-President for Fiscal Affairs at Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach, died March 16 at the home of his son, Dr. Ernest C. Cook, Jr. in Ormond Beach. He was 85.

Cook served at B-CC for 48 years. Bethune-Cookman recognized Cook's contributions with an honorary doctorate and named its admissions and financial aid center for him in 1996. He was ordained as a minister in 1978 and was a 50-year member of New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday school superintendent, deacon and assistant minister.

A memorial service for Dr. Cook will be held Saturday, March 25 at the B-CC Performing Arts Center at 4 p.m. Homegoing service will be held Sunday, March 26 at New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 515 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, starting at 11 am.

Survivors include Cook's wife of 62 years, Alice; three other sons, Michael, Daytona Beach, James Peterson, Buffalo, N.Y., and Rhodell Fields, Washington, D.C.; two daughters, Yvonne Cook-Scott and Betty Cook, both of Daytona Beach; a sister, Georgia Wyche, DeLand; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Cook Jr. said that his father will be remembered for his integrity, honesty, and intensive work ethic and dedication to God, family, and B-CC. "My dad was my best friend and closet confidant. He had friends from all over," he said.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.