Reta Jean Seely Crook

Reta Jean Seely Crook was born September 15, 1936 and passed away October 16, 2019 at the age of 83. She was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes Thompson of Iredell, TX and Ed Seely of Clovis, CA. She leaves behind five brothers and a sister: Eddy Seely, Ralph Seely, Tommy Ray Thompson, Troy Thompson, TL Thompson, and Eva Setty. She also leaves behind 13 nephews and 5 nieces.Reta was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, J. Ray Crook of Mineral Wells, TX in 2007. She spent most of her life as a preacher's wife. She leaves behind three sons: Stephen Crook, Jay Crook and wife Becca, Russell Crook and wife Jill. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Ryan Roden, Lyndi Young, Sierra Kellermeyer, Cheyenne Reta Crook, and Gray Crook as well as four great grandchildren.Reta loved God, loved her husband, loved her family, and loved everyone she met.Reta graduated from Iredell High School and got a job in Dallas with Sears as a fashion model and typist for the Sears catalog. She often went back home where she met a single Church of Christ preacher and fell in love. They were married on February 15, 1957 in Iredell. They moved from there where Ray would preach in Shamrock, TX, McGregor, TX, Madres, OR, Graham, TX, and finally in Mineral Wells where Ray eventually retired. He did fill-in preaching at Graford and Santo.Reta was very active in church work: teaching children's classes, Tuesday School, Tabitha classes, youth groups, and filled in as church secretary. Probably her favorite of these was teaching the Tabitha class because she could have many part-time daughters.Many people know her as a Mary Kay representative in which she won many awards for just being herself. She made others feel beautiful, inside as well as outside.But her most important job was being a wife and mom.When times were hard, she made her own dresses, as well as suits for her husband and sons. She made sure they all had new clothes for Easter. No one was any the wiser that the clothes weren't store-bought. She was very talented in other crafts as well.Once when Ray was fussing about the boys tearing up the backyard with various projects, Reta replied, "The front yard is for growing grass, and the backyard is for growing boys." She knew the importance of a good appearance, but knew character was even more important. This was displayed throughout her life. She was the essence of the Godly woman found in Proverbs 31.Even at the end with all of her pain, Reta could force a smile and a twinkle in her eyes that said, "I love you."Visitation and funeral service will be at Southside Church of Christ in Mineral Wells, Saturday October 19. Visitation is from 2:00 to 4:00 and funeral service is at 4:00, as arranged by the Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home. William Eudy and Mark Edge will be officiating.