of Bryant, AR
May 6, 1974 - November 14, 2024
Tiffany Maleese Cookus (Johnson) of Bryant, AR passed away on November 14th, 2024 in Little Rock, AR.
Tiffany was born in Little Rock, AR to James Johnson and Kay Cruse on May 6th, 1974. She was a student at Bryant from Kindergarten through her graduation from Bryant High School in 1992. She was granted a Chancellor's Scholarship to UALR where she graduated with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education in January of 1998. She began her teaching career in the Bryant School District as a long term substitute at Davis Elementary. In August of 2001, Tiffany completed her Master's in Teaching the Gifted and Talented, which she used for the remainder of career teaching and touching young lives. She enjoyed teaching, quiz bowl (students and her boys), chess and going to the beach with her family.
Tiffany is survived by her husband, Wright Cookus Bryant, AR, her children Benjamin and Zackery Cookus. Her father James (Jim) Johnson of Bryant, her mother Kay Cruse (Steve) of Bryant and sister Teena Johnson (Michael Kennedy) along with many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Roller Alcoa Funeral Home on Friday, November 22nd from 6-8 pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Saline County at 1810 Citizens Drive, Benton, AR, 72015. The family appreciates all of the support we have received from the community and want to thank you all for reaching out.
Arrangements are by Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home of Benton.
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52 Condolence(s)
Terry Griffin
Friday, November 22, 2024
I have been trying to find the words since learning about Tiffany's passing. Mrs. Cookus was instrumental in my oldest son Ty's development as his 3rd and 4th grade GT teacher. She and her family became very good friends. Our boys played soccer together, Ty and Ben on one team and Zack and Austin on another; Wright and I were their coaches. Wright and Tiffany invited us into their lives spending 4th of July setting off fireworks in their driveway and enjoying jalapeno wrapped venison. Dana often says she wished she could have brought the Cookus' with us when we moved to Kansas. We pray for peace for a very special family.
Zander King
Friday, November 22, 2024
I only knew Mrs. Cookus for 3 years, but in those 3 years she loved me showed me who she was. She was an outstanding example of someone who loved her family and served her community. I cherish the friendship I have with her son, Ben, and I am heartbroken and saddened by her sudden passing.
For the Cookus family, I extend my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Kelly Dull
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Both my boys had Ms. Cookus, Ms. Johnson then, she was always such a joy and it was my honor to have known her. I was saddened to hear of her passing. To the Cookus/Johnson family may God bless you and keep you wrapped in his arms. Thanks for sharing her with my boys and all of the other children that passed through her life and classroom.
Lillian Bock
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Tiffany was such a great coworker, always making me laugh! She was one in a million. My condolences.
Ashley Blasdell
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Tiffany was such an amazing human being. She was so loved by everyone she worked with here at BES. She made such an impact on everyone she worked with and made an even bigger impact on the students. She will be missed so very much.
Shannon Ledbetter
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Mrs. Cookus was a wonderful teacher to both my boys. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the days to you all.
Keith D Bauder
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Cookie Praying for your family.
Liam Babbitt
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Mrs. Cookus was a beautiful soul to whom I can attribute the development of countless students. You are missed and loved. Rest easy.
To Wright, Ben, and Zack: I cannot fathom the heartbreak of a tragedy like this. Sending condolences and love to you and your family.
Pam Schock
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Ms. Cookus was such a wonderful teacher to my son. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tanya Grant
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
I worked with Tiffany for many years at BES. Such a fine beautiful strong and dedicated young lady. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
Arianna Colvert
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
She was one of my favorite teachers, she left a lasting impression on me and so many other students. I was actually talking about her before I found out, I feel so deeply for her family, to lose a parent at such a young age is not something I wish on anyone, my deepest condolences.
Ashtyn Gibbs
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
I've only known Mrs. Cookus for 4 years, but throughout those 4 years, she has shown me so much love and care. I loved the jokes we'd have with her son, Ben, as well as the weekly video calls. I'm so heartbroken and sadden to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace.
Goodbye, and I love you Mrs. Cookus
Mr. Cookus and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences and prayers from me and the Gibbs family.
Angela Corder
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May you find peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.
Shannon Amara-Bangali
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
Lisa Smith
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
I taught with Tiffany for many years. She was a dedicated educator who loved her students and colleagues alike. We had many laughs. She will be missed! My prayers for you and the boys.
Stephanie Thompson
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Tiffany was not only an amazing person, but she was also an amazing educator. I worked alongside her at Salem and on PPC and got to see firsthand how much she loved her job and her students. Praying for her family during this difficult time.
Alma Gibson
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Praying for the family. What a beautiful lady. She taught all of my grandchildren. (Maxwell's). I know they loved her.
Abbie Bussey
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
I worked several years with Tiffany at BES. She was very helpful to me when I was a new teacher and continued to be a great coworker throughout the years. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers for her family and friends during this difficult time!
Stephanie Shaw
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
I only got to work with Tiffany one year but what a difference she made in my time at BES. She was always positive, always encouraging. and a light for my day. She will be sorely missed.
Radeanna Garcia
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Prayers for this beloved family. Ms. Cookus was a wonderful teacher and quiz bowl coach for my boys .
MARCUS R HATLEY
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Praying for you and your family.
Kevin & Shelly Benham
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
We are so saddened to hear of Tiffany's passing. We have and will continue to pray for God's peace and comfort for your family.
Sherrie Kettles
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
I'm heartbroken. She was my sons' GT teacher when they were at Bryant Elementary. I also attended church with her and her family. I always liked her. Gone too soon. Praying for her family.
Gina & Andy Babbitt
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
We have so many fond memories of Tiffany as a teacher and friend. We love your family and will continue to pray for you all.
Derald Neugebauer
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Wright,
Mel and I send our prayers to you and the family. May God provide the comfort needed to navigate through this difficult time.
James Stiefvater
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
I’m so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Allen Scott
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Condolences to the family and friends. Tiffany and I worked together on the Bryant PPC for years. She was such a joy to be around.
Tara Armstrong
Monday, November 18, 2024
I served with Tiffany for many years on PPC. She had a fierce love of her coworkers and was a truly committed educator. Praying for your friends and family.
Cheryl Burrough
Monday, November 18, 2024
I was a coworker of Tiffany’s for many years. I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your boys.
Karla Gray
Monday, November 18, 2024
She was an amazing teacher and was loved by all her students and parents. Sending condolences to your precious family at this difficult time. Praying for comfort as only the Lord can provide.
Adrienne Stephens
Monday, November 18, 2024
I am so sorry. Oh how she loved all of you. My heart hurts for you all.
Carolyn Evans-Stone
Monday, November 18, 2024
Tiffany did so much for the teachers of Bryant. Through her years of amazing service on the Professional Policies Committee and the board of The Bryant Classroom Teachers Association she did more behind-the-scenes good for the Bryant District as a whole than the people of Bryant can even imagine. Her ambition and devotion to the causes she held dear will be truly missed in this world.
Iris Adams
Monday, November 18, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. I taught next door to Tiffany at BES my second year teaching, then had the privilege to work with her at Salem the past several years. We always had a great time together. She will be greatly missed.
Lindsey Hartsell
Monday, November 18, 2024
Tiffany was a leader at work. She always had high standards for herself and her students. My family was blessed to have had her in our lives. She taught both of my girls for three years. When my oldest didn't feel comfortable any place else, she felt comfortable in Mrs. Cookus' class. For years after having had her in class, Mrs. Cookus still reached out to check on her. She had a soft side that flew under the radar but she truly cared for her students and co-workers. She was funny. My daughters still quote her to this day. The Cookus Eyebrow is a topic of conversation frequently and no one can ever say the word hard because Mrs. Cookus said it was a bad word. I was also blessed to call Tiffany a coworker and a friend. She looked out for us on the PPC committee and in our building. She was the one person everyone went to with questions and concerns and she was always quick to listen and help. She kept us laughing and informed! We are going to miss her terribly at BES but I know she will be missed more at home. I am thinking of and praying for her boys and husband and the rest of the extended family. May the memories hurt less and warm your heart more as time goes on.
Karen Kennedy
Monday, November 18, 2024
Teena and family, I'm so very sorry for your lost. My thoughts and prayers are for all of you at this time of sadness, confusion and unbelieveable sorrow. Love you Teena take care of yourself and your family.
Andrew Mooney
Monday, November 18, 2024
I am so sorry for you and your families loss.
Michelle Bozeman
Monday, November 18, 2024
I’m sorry for your loss. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Derald Neugebauer
Monday, November 18, 2024
Wright,
Mel and I send our prayers to you and the family. May God provide the comfort needed to navigate through this difficult time.
Mike & Karen Moore
Monday, November 18, 2024
We are so very sorry. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lajena Holt
Monday, November 18, 2024
Wright and Family. Praying for the Lord to hold you very close.
Daniel Salman
Monday, November 18, 2024
Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
May God's loving arms give you comfort in the days to come.
Tom Ferrara
Monday, November 18, 2024
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May you find peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.
Terri Brents Loperfido
Monday, November 18, 2024
Wright and Family -
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Andrea Willis
Sunday, November 17, 2024
I enjoyed working in the Bryant school district with Tiffany. She had a passion for the Gifted/Talented department and students. All "quirks" and "creative" nature were inside her classroom. My grandson learned to play chess in her G.T. room. She encouraged him.
Terry Flowers
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Praying for you and your family during this time!
Lee Ann McDaniel
Sunday, November 17, 2024
I so loved Mrs. Cookus (Tiffany). She was an amazing GT teacher, the best co-worker and a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
CSM(r) Tony Bowen
Sunday, November 17, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are for you and family.
Amy Cathey
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Jarrett Stark
Sunday, November 17, 2024
May God bless your family and guide you through this very difficult time. Praying for you and your family.
Jacob Lenzini
Sunday, November 17, 2024
A teacher I will always remember from Salem Elementary. Thank you for always making us think outside of the box! Saddened to hear of her passing.
Much love, Jacob Lenzini
Robert Baye
Sunday, November 17, 2024
With our deepest condolences.
Larry Brents
Saturday, November 16, 2024
I am so sorry.