Steven was my second cousin and madison and stevie were my first cousins. they were like my second family. Steven was definitly a hero for what he did to try to save his girls. He was always there for you if you needed him no matter what time or what it was aobut he was always there to listen to you, and it seemed like he always had an answer to everything. He deffinitly lived u pto his nickname "peacemaker". them girls were definitly daddy's little girls and he loved joe and justin like they were his own he took them in when he didn't have to and took care of them and made sure they had what they needed just like he did for his own girls. madison and stevie were a gift from god he sent them here to make a purpose out of life and they left with more than a memory in our hearts. they had the most precious smiles two angels could ever have. I remember the night before the tragedy I made cookies with the girls and stevie had to help she was our little helpers no matter what it was. she always batted them eyelashes to get her way. madsion was deffinitly not the shy one she was very social she could talk for hours if you let her as well as stevie even if you didnt understand what she was saying.If you didnt no who madison was she made sure you knew her before she left. :) I remember that nite as well I helped madison do all her homework and for her being 8 years old she was a smart child and it took me a minute to remeber how to do second grade work but she refreshed my memory :) Missy I tell you one thing you are a brave woman I wouldnt even begin to start to think how to get through something like this but you no Im always here for you. you have been like a second mom to me I grew up all my life around you guys your really truly and honestly the family god forgot to give me only becasue he knew that you needed them girls more as well as steven but thats ok caue your stilll family :) you were always their for me when I needed someone to talk to eeven if you didnt no how to handle it and you have always guided me in the right direction I wouldn't be who i was today if it wasn't for your help I look up to you and have very high respecct for you. steven madison and stevie I love you guys so much and I no god has taken you from us but only for a little while I will see you again it gives me a ittle closer to know that your in good hands up above with god. I also want to thank the community for al you have done. It is important for everyone to stick together in a tragedy like this you don't realize how important it is to have support like this until tragedy like this occurs. but I will tell you keep god close he will guide you through your hardest obstacles in life no matter what they are he is always on your side. I love you steven, madison, and stevie it's not good-bye but see you later love ya'll
I am Steven's sister and Madison and Stevie's aunt. (This is a picture of Steven and my son, Brady, taken weeks before.) Steven was the best big brother we could've had. He always took care of all of us. We always had so much fun together. He is a hero for what he did for his girls. Stevie and Madison were definitely "Daddy's Girls". I loved them so much. They were my girls too. They knew that they were loved infinitely by their family, especially Nana and Granddad Cook. I think that love by everyone and for everyone is why they were always smiling and happy. That's how I'll remember all three of them. I'll never forget the last few Christmas' in Tennesse in the cabins and all the fun things we did together.
This last time Steven was telling me about a recent field trip he went on with Madison to D.C. A classmate of Madison turned around and asked Madison, "Is that your Mommy or your Daddy?". Steven kept his hair long for the last 10 yrs. or so.
Steven was so pround of his girls and he loved Missy unconditionally. I saw him weeks before the tragedy and he was telling me about how they were all going to church now and how they wanted to get more involoved. He also told me that he had put bunkbeds in each of the girl's rooms. They were so proud and protective of there rooms. In fact, Stevie was down a week before the tragedy and was telling me how she "bet that Madison was in her room".
There are so many memories I'll treasure forever. I just want everyone to know that they were happy on earth and are still happy in Heaven with their loving Daddy.
Love Always,
Ashlea (Cook) Tobin
I am Steven's sister and Madison and Stevie's aunt. No word's can express how I feel about this situation. No one should ever have to go through what we have. I can remember my big brother Steven always looking out for me and being the best big brother a girl could have. We held a special bond together because we both have kindred spirits and are humble but speak our mind when things aren't right. Madison was my "mini-me". She always wanted to do everything I did. Everything down to wanting to work at Foodlion when i was there and Cheerleading when I was a cheerleader. I remember last time I talked to Steven he said they looked more and more like me everyday. Stevie was so sweet. She loved to talk to me on the phone when she was at Nanna's. It was so unbelievable how smart they both were for being so younge. And everytime I look in the mirror I still see them. I see the big nice lips, the "cook cowlic", our big eyes, and geniun smile. I miss them so much and always will. I feel comforted knowing that they are in heaven with their daddy! The girls were his world and he would have never been the same without them. And I know he is still looking out for me in heaven... He also loved Missy unconditionally and took in Joe and Justin as his own. He was definately a good person and a Christian man. The only advice I can give to anyone who God-fearing will face the same situation, is to look to God for comfort and peace, and look to your family and best friends for support. Cherish life for you never know what may ever happen... God bless everyone for their support through our sorrows and grievances. Love Always, Sommer Arlene Cook
My heart sorrows for your loss. I can only remember good when I think of Steven! I am only sorry that I didn't know him better. For over twelve years he was my step-cousin, but distance stopped us from knowing each other very well. Steven, I remember your hard work and willingness to help Peggy and my Dad. I remember your love for your kids. God Bless You Steven, Madison, and Stevie. You are in the hands of the Lord. There you will be taken care of; there you will laugh and sorrow no more and there your hearts will never break again! God Bless You Missy and your sons and their family. God Bless You Steve, Jannie, Ashleigh, and Summer! My prayers are with all of you! May God carry you at this time and bring comfort to you. God Bless You Peggy, Eddie, Freda, and Girls and your families. God will carry you all!
Love,
Tammy, Doug, Dina, Andrea, Ashley, Bailey, Courtney, Aaron, Bethany, Hannah, Luke, Mikey, Natalie, Olivia, and Lilly
I became friends with madison like a couple months ago.I was having the worst day of my life,and she made it better.She roled down her window on the bus and was liike hi i'm madison,and she had the cutest smile on her face when she said it to.I would go to the moose lodge some times with my other two friends and meet up with her she was the cutest girl i've ever know i love u and miss you
