With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Minnie Pearl Cook, 74, of Kingstree, SC, who passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Life Reflections

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:26-31

In Loving Memory of Minnie Pearl Cook

September 10, 1952 – September 13, 2026

Minnie Pearl Cook, 74, entered into eternal rest on September 13, 2026, at MUSC Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 10, 1952, in Salters, South Carolina, to the late William and Corine McCullough.

Minnie Pearl received her formal education through the Williamsburg County School System. At an early age, she joined Jerusalem United Methodist Church, where her faith remained an important part of her life.

Minnie Pearl moved to Clearwater, Florida, at a young age, where she built a life filled with family, friendship, love, and unforgettable memories. While living there, she met and married her husband, PJ Cook, who preceded her in death. Later, after returning to South Carolina, she met the love of her life, Jessie James McClary, who remained a cherished part of her life until his passing.

Minnie Pearl had a presence that could light up any room. She was fun, outgoing, joyful, and truly the life of the party. She loved to laugh, celebrate, and spend time with the people she loved. Whenever music played, she could be found on the dance floor. Her vibrant spirit was impossible to overlook, and her joy was contagious.

From an early age, Minnie Pearl was a nurturer. She helped raise her younger siblings and carried that same caring spirit throughout her life. She loved children dearly and had a natural gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. She had a way of making people feel like family, even when they were not related by blood.

Minnie Pearl worked for many years in the hospitality industry in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Her outgoing personality and genuine love for people made hospitality a natural fit for her.

She was also known for her exceptional cooking. Minnie Pearl was a phenomenal cook, and her famous perlo rice was a family favorite—so delicious that it was worth fighting over! For her, cooking was more than preparing food; it was one of the many ways she expressed her love for those around her.

Minnie Pearl also had a special love for flowers and plants and possessed an amazing green thumb. She took great pride in caring for her flowers and watching them grow. Just as she nurtured her family, she nurtured everything she planted, leaving beauty wherever she went.

Minnie Pearl leaves to cherish her memory her five children: her devoted daughters, Tiffany Gamble (Wendell) of Largo, FL, Jessica Cook and JaMonae Gourdine both of Kingstree, SC; her loving sons, Ansel Tisdale (Tori) of Las Vegas, NV, and William Calvin McCullough III of Greensboro, NC. She also leaves seven grandchildren: Jamari Little, Jy'Nariya Little, Jasiah Little, Arianna Gamble, Amari Gamble, Anastasia Gamble, and Ahmad Gamble; two great-grandchildren, Adonis Gamble and Ar'Mani King, who will forever carry her love and memories in their hearts.

She leaves her beloved siblings, Norma Rutledge and Libby Frazier, both of Salters, SC, Doris McCrea (Stanley) of Kingstree, SC, Deloris Huell (Austin) of Andrews, SC, William C. McCullough (Celestine), Leon McCullough (Earnestine) and Freddie McCullough (Debbie) all of Salters, SC, Johnny Lee McCullough (Caroline) of Queens, NY and Alfred McCullough (Renea) of Melbourne, FL.

She also leaves her special godchildren, Carolyn McCullough McClary and Kayden Jamir Epps; her very special neighbors and Bingo buddies; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and loved ones.

Minnie Pearl was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister, as well as her parents, William and Corine McCullough; her husband, PJ Cook; and the love of her life, Jessie James McClary.

Minnie Pearl's life was a beautiful reflection of love, family, laughter, faith, and service. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, godmother, friend, caregiver, cook, gardener, and a source of joy to so many.

Her laughter will live on in the memories of all who knew her. Her recipes will continue to bring family together around the table, and her flowers will always remind us of the beauty she loved to cultivate. The love she poured into her family and everyone around her will continue through the generations she leaves behind.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292 .