Susan Shoemaker Southerland Cooke was born on October 18, 1951, in Forest, Mississippi, and passed away on June 10, 2026, in Kokomo, Mississippi. She was 74 years old. Susan had lived in Kokomo, MS, for 28 years. Susan was a woman of great faith. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ above all else, and she shared that love with everyone she met. Susan spent decades of her life in service to the Lord as a pastor’s wife. She served in the church’s puppet ministry, children’s ministries, sang in the choir, played the piano, and was always quick to help out anywhere she was needed. Susan loved to laugh and talk with anybody she met. Her greatest joy in life came from being a grandmother and spending time with her family and friends. Susan leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and laughter that will be forever cherished by those who were blessed to know her. 

Susan is survived by her daughter, Jeni Rhea Southerland, and her son, Justin Ryan Southerland, who is married to Shelly. Her stepchildren, Len Cooke, who is married to Tracey, and Lorie Cooke. She also leaves behind her brother, Ricky Shoemaker, and a large, loving family that includes her grandchildren, Jaiden Stephens (Derek), Ashtyn Southerland, Jordan Grenier (Adrian), Jordan Maske (Cody), Logan Cooke (Mary Menger), Kaden Dale (Jana), Jackson Dale, Alexis Hendry, and Taylor Berry. Susan was also blessed with many great-grandchildren: Seiko Grenier, Evren Grenier, Karter Maske, Cooper Cooke, Tate Cooke, Beau Cooke, Brooks Dale, and two on the way. Her family was the heart of her life.

Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie E. Cooke; her parents, Willie Shoemaker and Catherine Shoemaker; and her sisters-in-law, Sandra Shoemaker and Betty Jo Shoemaker.

A visitation to honor Susan will be held at Leesburg Baptist Church in Morton, MS, on June 13, 2026, from 10:00AM until 1:45 PM. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Leesburg Baptist Cemetery. Bro. Shane Hoes will officiate the service under the direction of Ott and Lee Funeral Home. Bro. Len Cooke will officiate at the graveside service.

Susan’s life was one filled with faith, music, and love for her family and church. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.

The family request that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse.