Josephine Cook, 88, of Lake Charles, LA, formerly of Picayune, MS died on September 26, 2010 in a local hospital.

She was born Josephine Agnes Benoit on July 24, 1922 to Louis and Edna Benoit. She graduated from Lake Charles High School and enjoyed attending her class reunions. In her earlier years, she was a waitress for several local businesses, including Frank and Bob's, Sammy's and Dalvasio's. Mrs. Cook was a very skilled seamstress, creating anything from lingerie to seat covers. She learned to fly an airplane and drove with her husband in their motor home, traveling across the United States. She was very proud of her membership in the TOPS weight loss program, becoming a KOPS status and runner-up for queen. She made friends everywhere she went or lived and was loved by all who met her. She was of Catholic faith and prayed the Rosary faithfully.

She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Sharon Lee LaFargue and husband Clarence of Lake Charles and Billie Lee Welman and husband Warren of Moss Bluff; son, Robert L. Lee and wife Marie of Marrero, LA; step-daughter, Gloria Cook of San Luis Obispo, CA; and daughter of her heart, Phyllis Anderson of Lake Charles. She is survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Cook is also survived by a brother, Charles J. Benoit and wife June; sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Vernie Benoit; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers; sisters; two husbands, Bill Lee and Ralph Cook; and stepson, Wayne Cook.

Her funeral service will be at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven. Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Monday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 5:30 PM. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

The family would like to thank all of her doctors, especially Dr. LeBeau, the nursing staff at St. Patrick's Hospital, and the Resthaven Nursing Home for their loving care.