The family of Ella Cobbs Cook issued an inspirational and heartbreaking tribute to the young woman who inspired many.
The 19-year-old from Mountain Brook was shot and killed at Brown University on December 13. Another student, Mukhammad Aziz Umirzokov, was also killed, and nine others were injured.
The shooting happened inside a classroom at the university where Cook was a sophomore studying French and mathematics-economics.
Her parents, Anna and Richard Cook, have requested privacy during this time. However, they shared her obituary, which offers a glimpse into the life of their daughter, who touched many, even in death.
Before attending Brown University, Cook graduated from Mountain Brook High School and was a member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent (Episcopal) in Birmingham.
"Ella was known for her wide array of interests, from being with her precious friends, to babysitting so many children who were special to her, to teaching young people in Bible studies, Sunday School, and academic subjects," the obituary reads. "Ella dearly loved children. In fact, she believed her highest calling would one day be to have children of her own. She had a love for piano, dance, spending time outdoors in Hale County, and travelling anywhere – especially where French is spoken!
"The qualities of Ella's personality and 'soul' that most touched others were, foremost, her Christian faith, and especially her faith in the Death and Resurrection of Christ," the obituary continued. "She really meant it! And she wanted to share the good news of the grace that she received from the Cross. Not only did her personal faith shine out like a bright Christmas star, but she loved others as real people, not as objects. Ella loved God with her whole heart and she loved people — with her whole heart!
"Ella was not a large person in physique but her heart was as large as the sun. Because Ella was relatively quiet on the surface and never sought to put herself forward, she in fact evinced a sort of 'silent leadership,' to quote her brother Hooker, Ella is the best big sister ever. She is protective, responsible, and selfless,' is how her sister Mary Hamner remembers her."
Cook is described as a friend who truly had others' best interests at heart.
"In her sudden death, she has inspired an almost measureless gratitude, in stirring proportions, from everyone who ever knew her," her family stated. "Ella carried a kind of personal magic within her, from her quiet smile, to her consistent openness to new challenges and places, to her heartfelt Christian faith, to her kind encouragement of all whom she met who needed encouragement, to her persistent courage in following both heart and conscience. None of these words is encomium. Each of them is accurate to the way Ella really was.
"Ella Cook lit up our world, and her reflected glory will be with her family and friends forever."
A celebration of life and the Resurrection of the Lord will be held on December 22 at the Cathedral Church of the Advent. A time has not been determined. Attendees are asked to wear Easter colors.
The full obituary is posted online.
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