Mary Evelyn Cook, 85, of Pevely, formerly of Crystal City, died Dec. 6, 2020, at her home. Mrs. Cook was a longtime educator, having taught at Centralia, Ill., and in the Jefferson R-7 School District before going to Crystal City Elementary, from where she retired after 31 years. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crystal City and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. Born June 8, 1935, in Brookport, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Harriet Evelyn (Anderson) and the Rev. Edward Eugene Souders.
She is survived by a daughter: Teresa (Tom) Meyer of Pevely; a son: Thomas “Lee” (Liz) Cook of Acworth, Ga.; a brother: Robert (Beverly) Souders of Caseyville, Ill.; seven grandchildren: Andrew James Cook, Kelsey Ann Cook, Shelby Frances Tucker, Brock Alexander Meyer, Jonah Zachary Tucker, Thomas Paul Cook and Blake Andrew (Braylin) Meyer; and two great-grandchildren: Bentley Andrew Meyer and Blair Marie Meyer.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Kyle Castens . Burial is in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the SSM St. Clare Hospital Breast Care Center, 1015 Bowles Ave., Fenton, 63026. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.