Esther Revena Burnette Cook (Revena), 87, of Franklin, North Carolina, went to her eternal home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Mrs. Cook was born in Swain County to the late Don and Jessie Burnette. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Dorothy Marr, Arnold Burnette, David Burnette, and Melvin Burnette. She attended Sugarfork Baptist Church and was a faithful member of Mount Hope Baptist Church.

Revena enjoyed sewing, baking, gardening, and canning, skills she carried with her from her upbringing in the mountains on Brush Creek near Bryson City, North Carolina. She was part of a generation of Appalachian women known for their hard work, resilience, and care for others.

She especially loved flowers and took great pride in tending to them. One of the sweetest memories shared with her was picking flowers alongside her grandchildren, which she would later place in her windowsill or on the kitchen table. Her home always felt warm and welcoming, often with fresh flowers nearby.

She loved taking evening walks with her husband and spending time on her porch watching the hummingbirds come and go while taking in the slow, quiet moments.

More than anything, she loved her family and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She lived her life in service to others, always willing to help where she could. Though she was quiet and gentle, she loved deeply and cared greatly for those around her.

Her life reflected her faith, her love for her family, and the simple joys she found in everyday moments.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, James E. Cook; her son, Timothy E. Cook; grandchildren, Tillmon Edward Cook (Angela) of Concord, NC, Emma Naomi Cook of Raleigh (fiance Michael), Lillie Elizabeth Cook of Chapel Hill, and Garret James Cook of Raleigh; great-granddaughter, Elaine Mae Cook; siblings, Richard Burnette of Franklin, Roy Burnette of Sylva, Bonnie Lawrence of Toledo, OH, and Rachel Perdue of Moneta, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Sugarfork Baptist Church on Saturday, April 11th, from 11am–12pm. A funeral service will follow at 12pm with Rev. Gene Hawkins and Rev. Brian Holland officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.