REIDSVILLE - Mrs. Myrtle Virginia Cook Withers, lovingly known as "Myrt," passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, NC, after a courageous battle with chronic illness. She was 87 years old.

Born in Rockingham County, NC, on May 24, 1937, Myrtle was known for her spirited personality, sharp wit, and unwavering kindness. She had a special way of "telling it like it is," but beneath her no-nonsense exterior was a heart full of love and generosity. She was a dedicated member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, serving faithfully as a Deaconess.

Myrtle was determined, resilient, funny, fiercely independent, and never hesitating to lend a helping hand. She especially loved driving her late husband's white Dodge Dakota truck around town, a symbol of her strength and self-sufficiency.

Early Life and Education

Myrtle was the oldest of seven sisters and two brothers. She attended Ruffin Elementary before moving on to Lincoln School, where she developed a love for basketball and became a standout player. She also had a deep curiosity for medicine and home remedies, often referring to medical books and acting as the family's "personal triage nurse" before sending anyone to the doctor.

A Life of Adventure and Hard Work

Myrtle embraced life with energy and determination. As a devoted military wife, she traveled across the country and abroad, living in West Malling, United Kingdom for three years, before moving to Lakehurst, New Jersey, for another three. She then spent three years in Patuxent River, Maryland before finally settling back in North Carolina. She worked tirelessly at Chase Bag and Unifi for over two decades  demonstrating an incredible work ethic.

Cherished Hobbies & Interests

Myrtle's joys in life included cooking, baking, shopping, gardening, and long phone conversations with her friends and sisters. She especially loved visiting Sam's Club, Aldi's, Old Dutch, and of course, Belk  —always making the most of her trips. She was a natural caregiver, always ensuring her loved ones were well-fed, well-dressed, and well taken care of.

In the last decade of her life, she found joy and relaxation in swimming at the YMCA. Whether she was perfecting her strokes or socializing with her senior peers, the pool became one of her favorite places.

Cherished Family & Loved Ones

Myrtle was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Ernest Armstead Withers Jr., her parents, Maude Eva Stubblefield Cook and Acie Coleman Cook, Sr., her siblings, Ollie Mae Johnson, Gloria Delane Cook, Lillie Bell Cook, and Acie Coleman Cook, her daughter-in-law, Dr. Beverly Withers, and her in-laws, Ernest Withers Sr. and Lena Withers, whom she deeply adored.

She leaves behind a devoted family who loved and cherished her deeply: Daughter: Brenda Michelle Withers of the home. Sons: Eddie Thurmond Withers, Sr. (Orlando, FL) and Ernest Demour Withers III of the home. Grandchildren: Shumeka Scott (James) (Virginia Beach, VA), Eddie Withers Jr. (Oklahoma City, OK), Teddi Shaun Withers (Nina) (Chicago, IL), Dr. Keenan Blake Withers, MD  (Los Angeles, CA), Great-grandchildren: Elena Withers, Shaun Withers, Ahnri Walker, Teneiya Walker, Kylie Walker, Tayla Walker and Ezekiel Withers. Great-great-grandchild: Saige Cerenity Klass. Siblings: Mary Helen Badgett (Burlington, NC), Zelma Kelson (Whitsett, NC), Loretta Cook  (J. Sellars),(Burlington, NC) Lawrence Cook (Greensboro, NC) Aunt: Estella Mae Stubblefield. Sisters-in-law: Lena Mae McDaniel and Lydia Withers and Brother-in-law: Garfield Withers. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Audrey Wilson, her dedicated caregiver, and Dr. John Z. Hall's office for their compassionate care.

A Legacy of Strength & Love

Myrtle's legacy of love, resilience, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a pillar of strength, a source of wisdom, and a beloved matriarch whose memory will forever be cherished.

Public viewing will begin on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 12 until 6 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. from the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 7236 US-29 Business, Reidsville, NC. The family visitation will take place at 2 p.m. Pastor William Hairston, eulogist.

The committal and interment will follow in the New Center Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Reidsville, NC.

The family will receive friends at 697 Lick Fork Creek Road, Reidsville, NC.

Service by McLaurin-Harris