Carlene Cooksey, age 95, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior surrounded by the love of her family. While her family grieves her absence, they rejoice knowing she is now whole, healed, and celebrating on the streets of gold after a life faithfully lived for Christ.

Carlene devoted her life to her family as a loving homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the proud mother of three children: Judy Wilson (Dwight), Charlene Whittington (Ron), and Charles Rayford Cooksey. Her family was her greatest earthly treasure, and she loved them fiercely, faithfully, and unconditionally.

For more than 34 years, Carlene faithfully served alongside her beloved husband, Rev. Charles Rudolph Cooksey, as a pastor’s wife. She quietly but faithfully ministered to countless people through ladies’ gatherings, prayer, encouragement, and simply by the way she lived her life. Even in her later years, she continued to share Christ’s love with everyone she met.

Carlene was known for her incredible patience, gentle spirit, and unwavering kindness. Though naturally quiet, she possessed a quiet strength and could be fiercely protective when those she loved needed her. She was filled with wisdom, had a wonderful sense of humor and sarcasm, and was never afraid to lovingly tell you exactly what you needed to hear. To her, every grandchild was perfect, deeply loved, and cherished beyond measure.

One of her grandsons perhaps said it best: “She was one of the kindest people and loved without fault.” Those who knew her experienced that kind of unconditional love firsthand.

She was greeted in Heaven by the love of her life, her husband, Rev. Charles Rudolph Cooksey (2011); her self-proclaimed “one and only favorite son,” Charles Rayford Cooksey (2003); and her five siblings, Beatrice, Odell, Fred, Hazel, and Jim.

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy through her daughters, Judy Wilson (Dwight) and Charlene Whittington (Ron); her grandchildren, Tony, Kristen, Heather, Jonathan, Kellie, Brad, Kacie, and Charles Ray; and 21 great-grandchildren, all of whom will continue to carry her love, faith, and example into future generations.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Hospice HomeCare, whose compassionate care allowed Carlene to remain surrounded by love for the past five years. A special thank you is extended to her nurse, Wendy, and her hospice aide, Davie, whose unwavering compassion, kindness, and faithful care became an immeasurable blessing to both Carlene and her family.

Carlene fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds great comfort in knowing she is now rejoicing in the presence of her Heavenly Father, reunited with those she loved, and hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A Celebration of Life will take place at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, with visitation from 1:30 pm until the time of the service. Interment services will be in Evans Tabernacle Cemetery in Union, Mississippi, at 5:30 pm the same day.