Judith Cookson

Judith Anne Robyn Cookson, 81, of Puxico, Missouri, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 at Puxico Nursing and Rehab.

Mrs. Cookson was born Sept. 26, 1942 in Independence, Missouri, daughter of the late David and Helen Louise Pritchard Robyn.

She moved to Valley Park in 1948 and graduated in 1960 as salutatorian of her class. She attended SEMO in Cape Girardeau where she graduated in 1964 with a major in history and minor in English. Judith taught at Zalma Jr. High and High School from 1977 until 1996. In 1996 she received her library certification through MSU. She worked at Poplar Bluff High School from 1996 until 2004 as a librarian and history teacher. Judith was very involved in her community. She was a city alderman of Puxico and she volunteered at the Puxico Nutrition Center where she won the volunteer of the year award. She was also active with Vacation Bible School for First General Baptist Church in Puxico.

On Feb. 22, 1964, Judith married Larry Cookson. He survives. Also surviving are three children: Patty Cookson, Melissa “Missy” (Terry) Rawlings, and Jennifer (Tom) Sokolowski, all of Puxico; five grandchildren: Ashley (Scotty Jr.) DeVita, Christian (Madison) Hoyer, Allison Rawlings, Megan Sokolowski, and Miranda Sokolowski; three great-grandchildren: Chloe Smith, Lili DeVita, Tobias DeVita; three sisters: Nancy Robyn of Union, Missouri, Carol (Jerry) Smith of Washington, Missouri, and Linda Bisso of Saint James, Missouri; and numerous special nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Judith was also preceded in death by one brother-in-law: Bill Bisso.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at Puxico First General Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Judy Cookson Memorial Scholarship at People’s Community Bank in Puxico.

Condolences: www.whitesandersfuneralhome.com.