Jonathan Mark Cook

Jonathan “Mark” Cook, age 56, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024, at his Kershaw, S.C. home with his loving wife of 12 years, Lori Hunter Cook, by his side.

Mark is the son of Mary Anne Fleming Cook of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., and the late Rev. Ronald Benjamin Cook. He was a beloved teacher and coach at Andrew Jackson High School, Central Pageland High School, Camden High School, and the Academy of Arts in North Myrtle Beach. Mark coached baseball, basketball, and football during his teaching career.

Coach Cook graduated from Avalon Academy, previously located in Hamer, S.C., in 1985. He continued his education at Winthrop University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1990. Mark later completed his Master of Education in Remediation at Francis Marion University in 2001.

Mark is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lori, his adoring mother and his sister, Donna Leigh Cook, of Salisbury, N.C., whom he was affectionately called “Little” MeMe”. Mark’s “Big Brother”, Benjamin “Ben” Ronald Cook, Jr., was tragically killed in an automobile accident on March 26, 1987.

A service to remember and honor Coach Cook’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Baker Conference Center, 105 North Minor Street, Kershaw, S.C. The family will receive visitors after the service at the Conference Center and other times at the Cook home, lovingly known as the “Cook Casa”. For those visiting the home additional parking is available on the Johnson Street side of the home.

A section will be reserved at the service for Coach Cook’s former students, ball players, teachers, and coaching friends.

Donations in memory of Coach Cook can be made to the Gideon's or Sand Hill Baptist Church Blessing Box Fund.

Anyone interested in sharing experiences or remarks in Coach Cook’s memory will have an opportunity during the service or following the service during visitation time with the family.

A special thank you to MUSC Kershaw Health Oncology Infusion Staff, SC Oncology Associates, MUSC Kershaw Health, Lancaster Home Care, Hospice of Lancaster, along with so many others.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.