Alice Robeson Cooke, 90, of Athens, died peacefully Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at Starr Regional Medical Center in Athens with her grandsons by her side. Alice was originally from Newport, TN, born to the late Dr. Edward and Sallie Ottinger Robeson, but lived in Athens since her high school and college years and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Alice was a resident of Morning Pointe Assisted Living for almost 6 years. She was preceded in death by her husband William Gettys Cooke who was a well known business and civic leader of Athens. Alice and Bill co-owned and operated the Cooke Paper Box Company in Athens for many years.
She is survived by one daughter, Mary Alice Cooke; two grandsons and their spouses Will Lepchitz (Melissa), Drew Lepchitz (Lauren) ; two great granddaughters, Emma and Haley Lepchitz all of GA; two loving nieces, Sara Calhoun Simpson (Ben), Ellen Calhoun Lawson (Robby), and four great nephews, Keith and Alex (Lauren Nixon) Lawson, Benjamin (Renee) and Mark Simpson (Nichole)
Due.to the current situation this country is facing at this time, the family will hold a private burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Athens and a date for an upcoming formal visitation and service for her many, many friends and extended family will be at a date to be determined.
The family suggests memorials be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 E. College Street, Athens, TN 37303; or McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, 512 W. Madison Avenue, Athens, TN 37303.