APEX - Mildred Watkins Cooke, 87, died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 at her home. Funeral service was Monday, Feb. 16, at Apex Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Apex Cemetery. The Rev. Phil Qualls officiated at the services.

She was born in Franklin County to Maylon Elmo Watkins and Mary Etta Tharrington. She taught at Apex High School for 30 years. She was voted Wake County Teacher of the Year in 1974.

Surviving: husband, Roy Cooke; son, Phil; sister, Margaret; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, M. E. and Charles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Oberlin Road, Suite 208, Raleigh, NC 27605-1351.

Arrangements by Apex Funeral Home in Apex.