Katie Belle Younglbood Cook

KATIE BELLE YOUNGBLOOD COOK, age 97, of Little Rock, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2017. She was born in Florence, AR, daughter of John A. Youngblood and Anne Belle Hoover Youngblood. Katie was a lifelong nurse, having graduated as an RN from Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1942. Her nursing career included Children's Hospital during the 1946 polio epidemic, St. Vincent's and Baptist Hospitals, and she retired from the VA Hospital in 1987 after 36 years. Katie was predeceased by her husband of 30 years, E. C. "Gene" Cook, the "love of my life"; her parents; one sister, Ruby Y. James; three brothers, Gilford, Dallas and Ray Youngblood; nephew, Dwaine James; and nieces, Jo Ann Higgins, Virginia Birch and Linda Hughes. She is survived by her nephews, Bernard Youngblood, Dallas Youngblood, Jr., Lehrke Youngblood and James Youngblood; nieces, Gay Gladden and June Brixie; and grand-nephew Anthony Tucker. Katie was a kind hearted, humorous woman who loved her family and friends, and will be deeply missed. She was a woman of devoted Christian faith, member of First Baptist Church, Little Rock, Sunday School, WMU, SAGA Senior Adults Active in Giving, and book roundtable. Katie went on to volunteer with the VA Hospital for over 9,300 hours following retirement. She was a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). The funeral service and celebration of Katie's life will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 1, 2017 with visitation at 10am prior to the service at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300. Burial will be at 3 pm at Oakland Cemetery in Monticello. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Dr. Little Rock, Ark. 72211. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.