Beverley “Cookie” Brown
August 23, 1941 - June 23, 2024

Beverley Ann (Brinkley) Brown, affectionately known as Cookie, was born on August 23, 1941, in Bloomingrose, West Virginia, and departed this world on June 23, 2024, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 82. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration that touched countless lives.

A proud graduate of Morris Harvey College, now the University of Charleston, Cookie earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and went on to serve as an accountant for the State of West Virginia Turnpike. Her career culminated in her retirement from a fulfilling role at Ritch, Breeden and Company Accounting Firm in Laurinburg, where she was cherished by colleagues and friends alike.

Cookie was not only a dedicated professional but also a talented artist with a passion for oil painting, charcoal drawing, and sculptures. Her artistic talents were matched only by her immense love for rescue dogs, whom she cared for with boundless compassion.

Deeply rooted in her Christian faith, she was a servant to God’s people having helped with several food ministries but truth be told, people came for Cookie’s hugs more so than food. She played a pivotal role in helping start churches, always embodying the spirit of community and selflessness. Her warmth and generosity were felt by all who knew her; she had a unique ability to make everyone feel “at home” when they were around her. To know Cookie is to know she often showed her love by playfully picking on those she was closest to.

She is survived by her devoted husband and best friend of nine years, Timothy Sparks, and her beloved brother, Max Brinkley of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her memory will also be carried on by many dear friends and extended family members. Cookie is preceded in death by her father, Paul H. Brinkley, mother, Vivian (Stone) Brinkley, brother, David Brinkley, and her sister-in-law, Ellen Brinkley.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 4:00 pm at River of Life Ministries Church, 15760 Barnes Bridge Rd, Laurinburg, NC 28352, with Pastor Hal and Phyllis Culberson officiating. Join us as we come together to remember and celebrate the extraordinary life of a remarkable woman.

Cookie’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and creativity. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. In every hug, in every piece of art, and in every act of kindness, her spirit lives on. Rest in peace, dear Cookie—you have made the world a brighter place.

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Coastal Cremations of Jacksonville is serving the family.