Cathy Buchanan Cook, 81, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away on October 24th, 2022.
She was born October 30th, 1940 in DeLuce, AR to Robert and Hazel White. She grew up in DeWitt, AR.
She married Archie Buchanan, the love of her life, in 1961. They were married for 36 years until his untimely death. The marriage was blessed with a daughter and son and eventually 5 grandchildren. Nothing meant more to her than her family. She was lovingly known as Mamaw and subsequently Big Mamaw to her grandchildren and her children’s friends. Her compassion, generosity and grace serve as inspiration they will carry with them.
Cathy’s career truly began with the move to Memphis. She started at Malone and Hyde Drug Distributors as an Executive Administrative Assistant in 1976. This position was a high point in her life where she worked with wonderful people that became life-long friendships. She moved with a group from Malone and Hyde to AutoZone Corporate offices and held various positions until 2002. Again, many wonderful friendships were made.
Upon leaving AutoZone, Cathy cared for her mother at home until her death in 2004.
Cathy remarried in 2009 to Ed Cook. They lived in Cabot, AR near his family for 11 years.
Cathy leaves behind her husband of 13 years, Ed Cook of Panama City Beach, FL, daughter Trish Ormsby (Rick) of Elm Grove WI, son Steve Buchanan (Nina) of Atoka, TN, grandchildren, Adam, Nicholas, Alexis, Madison and Jacob, sister, Donna Sparks of Fresno CA, brother-in-law, James ‘Buck’ Buchanan of Cabot AR and niece, Robin Moser of Clovis CA.
She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Hazel White, husband Archie Buchanan, Brother-in-law Dan Sparks and great friends Sarah McNatt, Glenda Young, Rayburn Bryant and Grady Mitchell.
From Whitehaven to Collierville to Southaven, Cathy considered Memphis home. She and Archie raised their family, welcomed grandchildren, established careers and made life-long friendships. She spent the last 2 years of her life in Wisconsin near her daughter where, not surprisingly, she wowed them with her southern charm and graciousness.
Special thank you to Oak Hill Terrace Senior Community for caring for her and loving and caring for her like they knew her all her life. Thank you to Accent Care Hospice for your care and support near the end of life.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, November 5 at 12:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. all in the Fireside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Entombment to follow at Memorial Park Mausoleum.
in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Memory Café. Cathy looked forward to these monthly events and gave her so much joy.
