Mary Ellen Oaks

Mary Ellen Oaks peacefully went home to be with the Lord on November 25th at the age of 89. She is preceded in passing by her parents, Ocie M. Cook, Sr. and Pearl Herring Cook, and her siblings Iona Cook Pitts, Ocie M. Cook Jr. and John W. "Doug" Cook. She is survived by her husband of 68 years Harold Oaks, children Joseph Oaks (Kathy) and Jana Oaks Buckner (Brett), grandchildren Griffin Oaks, Katherine Buckner and Brooke Buckner, and her sister Carolyn Cook McConnell (Glenn).

She was known throughout her life as Mary Ellen, but for the past 27 years she was known, most importantly, as Mimi. Born in 1936 in Baileyton Alabama, she graduated from Fairview High School in 1953, from Sacred Heart College in 1955 and from the University of Alabama in 1957. She married the love of her life a week after graduating from college, and they began a life together in Birmingham. Mary Ellen worked for American Cast Iron Pipe Company early in her career. She then paused to take up another career, raising the two children that she adored. She resumed her career outside of the home with Pemco Aeroplex and then moved to a position within her home church, Huffman Baptist.

During her time in Birmingham, Mary Ellen was a dedicated member of Norwood Baptist Church, Eastside Baptist Church and Huffman Baptist Church. She served in a variety of roles - Sunday school teacher, Girls in Action leader, but most often, a dedicated member of the church choir. She loved to sing and introduced music to her children and grandchildren. In their retirement, Mimi and Pop loved to travel and spend time with their church friends on mission trips, playing card games and getting together socially.

She leaves behind a family that she nurtured in faith and love. We are grateful for her spirit, her wit, her wisdom and her guidance. But most of all we are thankful for the example of love and partnership that she and Pop provided throughout the years.