Myrtle D. Cook passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.  She was the youngest of five daughters of General A. and Laura L. Tharp and was born near Chipley, Florida on June 17, 1935.  She enjoyed the early years of her life on the family farm along with her parents and sisters.  Her family moved to Panama City in 1950 and she graduated from Bay County High School in 1953.   Here she met her future husband, Rufus, and they were married in 1954.  After marriage, Myrtle lived in West Virginia and Virginia for the next seven years as Rufus completed college and began his professional career.  In December 1961, she and Rufus returned to Panama City with their two children, Lee, and Beth, and it's where they resided until there passing.  In their new Florida home, Brenda and Beverly soon arrived to complete their family.  During this decade and the next, Myrtle's life matured to full "Motherhood", and she enjoyed this time of her life so much sharing many family events with her extended Tharp family and dear friends.  In later decades, her children added new joy to her life when their families expanded and she came to know the joy and fulfilment of being a grandparent and great grandparent.

And now, Myrtle has arrived at her final resting place in Heaven, under the care and love of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and as He promised "to all that believeth in Him" in John 3:16.

Myrtle is predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Rufus Cook.  She is survived by her son Lee Cook (Ann); three daughters, Beth Campbell (Joel), Brenda Sierra; Beverly Chase (Bob); seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren along with surviving cousins, nieces and nephews.

A tribute and celebration of Myrtle's life will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 1 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel, 214 Airport Road, Panama City Florida with Minister Alexander Gentelli officiating.  The Family will receive family and friends at the funeral home from 12-1 p.m. Wednesday one hour prior to the Service, Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

(This obituary was prepared by her loving husband prior to his passing).