Joni Reinke

Heaven received another Angel on January 19, 2014.
Joan known as Joni Williams Cook Reinke was born on March 26, 1930 to Cecil and Eunice Williams in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For the last 36 years she was married to Charles Chuck Austin Reinke, Jr. whom she treasured having for her partner and best friend. She was also the proud big sister to Shirley Coffman of Houston, Texas.
Joni began her career in modeling and fashion consulting. As a young adult, she was a Teen Advisor for Seventeen Magazine. In 1949 Joni married Bill E. Cook of Dallas, Texas. They lovingly raised three children. When she and Bill moved to Amarillo, Texas Joni opened Beauty Unlimited, where she taught modeling classes and worked with young women and retailers in the fashion industry. Later they moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. There she taught classes in modeling and social etiquette skills. She also worked with Miss Texas Pageant contestants.
Joni went to work with the Texas Board of Tourism in 1970. Moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she opened the first BR Convention and Visitors Bureau and worked closely with the Governors office to increase tourism throughout the state. Joni was led to a position at a historic plantation home called Houmas House. This home was on the famous River Road along the Mississippi River. Joni worked as the Curator for Houmas House for several years. She was instrumental in getting the Mississippi Queen and the Delta Queen Riverboats to put Houmas House on their itinerary.
It was during this time that her husband Bill, of 25 years, died. Jonis three children, Rusty, Randy and Patti, were in college at the time. They were her priority and she made sure they knew it. She was quite proud of each of them. Years later, on a flight back to Baton Rouge after visiting one of her sons, she met Chuck Reinke. They connected at once. They were married March of 1977. Chuck was a father of four and Joni was thrilled to get to know each of them.
Eventually they moved to Plano, Texas. She and her dear love, Chuck, enjoyed years of boating with friends and family on Lake Texoma and around the country. They also traveled to Canada and Europe. They moved to Hobbs, New Mexico in 2006.
Known as Mimi to her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, Joni always wanted to inspire and motivate each of them to be the best person they could be. She adored spending time with them. Mimi and Papaw were familiar faces at their events and special occasions. Joni believed in the Golden Rule and taught her children to use their own judgment and learn from doing so. She wanted those who were in her life to know they were special, they mattered, and they were loved Telling those she cared for, that she loved them was easy and most important to her She was the ultimate cheerleader, quintessential hostess, and most loving wife and mother one could hope for. Her family and friends were blessed to have been loved by her. Writing thank you notes and letters were a part of her daily life. She believed God sent her many angels throughout her life, and she would say, I hope they know who they are and how they helped me I tried to tell them.
She was predeceased by her parents her husband Chuck and sons, David Randall Cook and David Reinke. She is survived by her sister Shirley Coffman son Rusty Cook and wife Cheli daughter Patti Veteto and husband Mark daughter Sue Watson daughter Sarah Williamson and husband Kenny as well as 12 grandchildren, her beloved greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her beloved Chuck passed away on November 3, 2013.
There will be an informal memorial service on Sunday, January 26, 2014, at 1:00 pm at Chapel of Hope Funeral Home, honoring both Joni and Chuck. The family asks you to come share memories and love, as well as join them in saying farewell to a truly loving couple. Their families would also like to express their gratitude for the love given by each nurse, helper, and caregiver during this last year. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Gentiva Hospice would be gratefully appreciated.

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