J. Helen Cooke, 81, of Spindale, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. She was a native of Rutherford County, a graduate of the Cool Springs High School class of 1948, and a retired accountant for the State of North Carolina. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Smart of Rutherfordton, granddaughter Jennifer “J.J.” Harper Redden and Husband Brett of Ledyard, Conn., great-grandson Nathan Redden, sisters, Mary C Ellenburg of Rutherfordton, Pat C Poston of Shelby, Carolyn C Hatcher of Southern Pines, Ann C Hardin of Charlotte, and one brother Sam M Cook of Lewisville, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Alfred Cook and Alice Brackett Cook, siblings Ruth J Cooke, Frances E Cooke, and Katie C Luckadoo. A gathering of family and friends will be at 4PM Saturday, April 14, 2012, at Crowe’s Mortuary. In Lieu of flowers donations may be to the Christian Life Center, c/o Southern Baptist Church, 140 Church Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.