William Columbus Petar Cooke

William Columbus Petar Cooke, 83, of Chicago's South Side and formerly of Georgiana, Alabama, peacefully passed away on January 11, 2024. He was fondly known as Petar by everyone who knew him. Petar graduated from Barber College and enjoyed cutting hair as a profession and hobby. Petar operated a barber shop in Alabama and Chicago. He spent decades working with children at Mt. Sinai Hospital and later at the Englewood Community Center. Peter was gifted with his hands and liked to take on projects utilizing his artistic creativity and handyman talents. He delighted in teaching his skills to others.

Petar is survived by his beloved longtime companion, Gwen Webb; former spouses Etta Norris Coleman and Virginia Moore, with whom he shared his children; Rafael "Rod" Cooke (son), Shawn Cooke (son), and Luwattia Petra Jamila Cooke-Johnson (daughter); cherished grandchildren Rafael Asanté Cooke, Shamaria Cooke, Jafar Cooke, Joseph Cooke, Randi Ajahcari Virginia Johnson, and Rondeé Rakim Petar Johnson; treasured sisters Anne Lewis, Gwendolyn Cooke, and brother Herman "AL" Algernon Cooke; a host of dear nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James Roosevelt Cooke Sr., mother, Margaret Louise Bradley-Cooke, brother, James "Cookie" Roosevelt Cooke, Jr., and sister, Vivian Buckhoy-Smith.

A celebration of his life will be determined at a later date and time.

Rest In Power, Dad

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL