Gaylord Cook – Clairton
Gaylord Cook, 67, of Clairton, passed away on April 1, 2019. He was born on April 3, 1951, in Pricedale, to the late Charles Ray Cook and Lucy Ada Johnson-Cook. Gaylord was a believer in Christ and was raised in church at Pleasant Greene AME in Pricedale. He rededicated his life to Jesus while lying in a hospital bed in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Rostraver High School in Belle Vernon in 1970. He went into the U.S. Air Force directly out of high school and served two years before receiving an honorable discharge. He then accepted a position to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation before becoming self-employed as a painter and handyman. He enjoyed working as a contractor until being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1996. Gaylord was a strong warrior until his death, fighting to live until the Lord called him home. Gaylord will be remembered by the love of his life and partner, Elizabeth “Liz” Skaggs; and their son, Chris Amweer Cook; Liz’s children, Renawn Harris, Alrahman Harris and Taheera Harris, whom he helped to raise. He will be greatly missed by his siblings: Fred “Banjo” Patterson Johnson Jr., Kenneth “Pete” Douglas Johnson, Charles Ray Cook Jr., Donald Cook, Ralph Cook, Audrey Mae Cook Johnson and Gail Jeter (Roderick); brother-in-law, Gene Paul Jackson; and sisters-in-law, Evelyn Johnson, Almita Cook and Paula Cook. Gaylord was preceded in death by his siblings, Norma Jean Jackson, Shirley Ann Bizzelle, Charlene Frances Cook, Gary Cook, Galeon Cook and Lawrence Marvin Johnson; and sisters-in-law, Rosette Johnson and Florence Cook. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 13, 2019, with the funeral service starting at noon at Antioch Baptist Church, 945 Henry St., Belle Vernon, with the Rev. Clifford A. Carter giving eulogy. There will also be an Air Force honor guard salute to Gaylord for his service in the military. Final celebration has been gently placed in the hands of HOUSE OF JACKSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 546 Thompson Ave., Donora, Karl Jackson, funeral director, 724-379-5420.
