Ferda Mae “Cookie” Young-Burks, 77, of Warren, passed away January 20, 2025. Born February 9, 1947, to the late Reverend Joe Nathan and Susie Mae Young.
Cookie dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and joined Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She took pride in being a “Bradley County WildCat.” She graduated from Bradley County High in 1964. She attended Arkansas Baptist College and later attended Oil Belt Vocational-Technical School for Nursing.
Cookie devoted her life to her family and those around her. Her heart had a special place for Senior citizens, cooking and children. She dedicated 21 years to the Southeast Arkansas Community Action. She spent a number of years in Dietary management and later opened a restaurant and named it “Mrs. C’s”. She was well known for her cooking and would feed anyone without hesitation. She raised many children as her own, throughout her life and instilled in them the importance of God, respect and remaining humble. “In thee Oh Lord I put my trust” Psalm 31:1, was one of her favorite scriptures and she lived by it until the end of her race.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joe H Burks; son, Darcius Young; great grandson, Jaylen Isom; siblings, Alex Burl, Helen Burl, James Young, Roslyn Daniels, Vicky Young-Hampton.
Cookie is survived by her children, Janet Strickland (Dexter), Janice Strickland, Otis Strickland; Bonus daughters, Denise Owens, Michelle Meadows, Julia Swift, Kamanda Marks; grandchildren, Sha’Freda Strickland, Tyesha Strickland, Trance Strickland, Eboniee Burks, Brent Strickland, Otisha Strickland, DeAndrea Young, JaRelle Johnson (Megan), LaQuecia Young; great grandchildren, Treylon Burks (Shelby), Jade Watson, Jayla Strickland, Braylen Watson, Izabella Wilson, Kaylee Strickland, Preston Strickland, Carter Strickland, A’rmani Strickland, Zahava Wolfe, Patrick Wolfe Jr., Chase Young, Keante Evans Jr., Jamia Love, JaRielle Johnson, RoMello Johnson, JaNelle Johnson, RayNello Johnson; great-great granddaughter, Wren Burks; siblings, Odis Young (Joyce), Rachael White (John), Shirley Hudson, Myralyn Hays, Melody Young, Joe Nathan Young Jr.; a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was held February 1 at St. James AME Church in Warren, with Rev. Kurbe Newsom officiating and Elder James Hooper eulogist. Burial was in Union Cemetery, Warren. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home.
