Mr. Alfred Lee Cook Sr.

COOK, Mr. Alfred - Age 85, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10:00 AM Monday, May 22, 2023 at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 711 S. Saginaw St., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Pastor Juanita Crump, officiating. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM. Monday. Mr. Cook will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd, and may be viewed from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Sunday. Mr. Alfred Lee Cook Sr. was born January 5, 1938 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the son of the late Elijah Cook and Queen Ella Bell. His mother Queen Ella (Bell) Cook died when he was 18 months old, and he and his brother were raised by their grandparents, Jim and Queen Ella Lewis (Bell). Alfred didn’t start school until the age of 12 but was able to overcome social and educational stumbling blocks and later enrolled in Campbell Junior College in Jackson, Mississippi. His first year at Campbell College was more than challenging so he left to enlist in the United States Air Force, spending 4 years a Military Police and was Honorably Discharged in 1959. Alfred then returned to Campbell College, becoming involved in the Civil Rights Struggle. Alfred’s passion and struggle in Civil Rights propelled his entry into Tougaloo College. He completed the 1960-61 academic years at Tougaloo as a 23-year-old sophomore biology major who dreamed of becoming a medical doctor. With the help of mentors like The President of the NAACP, Medgar Evers who worked with the group as an Advisor and with the Chaplain at Tougaloo. The “Tougaloo Nine” was formed. During the sit-in Alfred and the eight members requested from librarians at the all-black George Washington Carver Library and the all-white Jackson Municipal Library a copy of “Bergeys Manual of Systematic Bacteriology.” First published in 1923, the manual is considered the “bible” for identifying unknown bacteria. Alfred still has his personal copy of the manual and knew when he requested it that the all-black-library would not have it. So, they planned a student sit-in at the Jackson Municipal Library because blacks weren’t allowed in. On March 27, 1961, the nine Black Tougaloo student were arrested for their attempt to integrate into the Jackson Mississippi Library through a peaceful sit-in. They were charged with disturbing the peace, fined $100.00 each given a 30-day suspended jail sentence. The Tougaloo Nine Display can be viewed at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, Mississippi and other museums across the country. A Freedom Trail Marker honoring the Tougaloo Nine was unveiled at a ceremony in Jackson, Mississippi on Thursday, April 17, 2017. The nine members were also honored with their Honorary Doctorate degrees during the May 2021 Commencement Ceremony at Tougaloo College. Alfred left Mississippi for Flint, Michigan and began working part-time at Hurley Hospital as a Laboratory Aide. He married his Tougaloo Sweetheart, Barbara Gill, together they have three children, Lisa, Cynthia and Alfred Jr. Alfred continued working at Hurley and attended the University of Michigan, where he received a BA in Biology and later a Master of Science in Medical Technology from Wayne State University to increase his likelihood of being accepted into medical school. He was licensed by the State of Michigan and the Federal Government Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). These credential enabled him to open his own medical laboratory in the State of Michigan and the second in the country. In operation for over 20 years, The Lab grew exponentially to seven lab location throughout the state, employing over 100 individuals. Among his clients were local doctors, General Motors, The State of Michigan, City of Flint, Flint Community Schools, local hospitals, and many other organizations. Alfred was a Life Member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Epsilon Lambda Graduate Chapter in Flint, Michigan, serving twice as President. He also held several memberships in professional organizations and received many recognitions and awards: Rotary International, (Paul Harris Fellow) NAACP Life Member, Past Board Member of the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce, Organizer and Board Member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, American Public Health Association Membership, American Society of Clinical Pathologist, American Association of Clinical Chemistry, American Association of Bioanalysis, Urban League of Flint Certificate of Outstanding Support, Minority Business Award for MBL Laboratories, 7Up Bottling Company-Flint Olympian Association Golf Outing, Presidential Appointment to the Selective Service Board of Michigan, 1st Robotics Award and many more. Alfred went on to teach High School Biology at Central and Northern for 13 years, coaching the High School Golfing team and assisting the Robotics Team. Alfred joined his daughter Lisa in the business and became a licensed District Leader and Registered Representative with Primerica helping families with insurance and investment needs. He retired in 2010 from Flint Schools and 2019 from Primerica. Alfred grew up in church and spent over 20 years in the AME church later years to the Episcopal Church (St. Paul Episcopal Church) where he served on the Vestry, chaired the Financial Committee and sang in the Choir. He enjoyed working with the Outreach Ministry and feeding program on Tuesdays. Alfred loved being with family, He especially had a special loved for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alfred also loved golfing and sports. He was a big fan of University of Michigan College Football & Basketball Fan. Alfred enjoyed making his special BBQ Ribs and Macaroni. Alfred leaves to cherish his memory: daughter, Lisa Brantley, Cynthia Cook, both of Katy, TX; son, Alfred Cook Jr.; grandchildren, Simone, Trice, both of Atlanta, GA, Matthew Washington, Jessie Cook, both of Katy, TX, Briana (Adam) Givens, Malek Thornton, and Imani Hill, all of Katy, TX; great-grandchildren, Ava Givens, Aubrie Givens, Adam IV and Ahmee Givens; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Alfred was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim Bell and Queen Ella Bell (Lewis); parents, Elijah Cook and Queen Ella Cook (Bell); brother, Elijah Cook Jr.; nephew, Robert Earl Harris; cousins, Ben Bell and Greg Bell. The family would like to express special thanks to the Hurley Medical Center staff and the VA Home Staff Team that helped him. Also special thanks to his special friends, Barbara (Cook) Wesley and Carol Carthwright.

Mr. Alfred Lee Cook Sr.

January 5, 1938 - May 16, 2023