Obituary of Mabel Raiford

Mabel Cook Raiford, was the 6th child of Penton and Judy Cooke born on October 22, 1918 in Raleigh, North Carolina. She concluded her journey peacefully on November 20, 2013 with her family by her side. As a young woman in 1942 she moved to Washington, D.C. While there, she would perform and win many dance contest. In 1947, she relocated to Philadelphia, PA where she met and married Jesse Raiford. She worked as a seamstress at a company called the Mustang's. In 1955, she met Joseph E. Smith, the love of her life. Their union would last 34 years. They retired to Augusta, Georgia where in 1986 he preceded her in death. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Florence Estates for 27 years. She attended local senior centers, where she was awarded many certificates for her outstanding volunteer services. Her hobbies were crocheting and fishing. Mable was a woman of wisdom who enjoyed life and helping others. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and loved everyone. Lovingly we remember her siblings; Ellis, Toler, Hasty, Penton, Luevenia and Robert who all preceded her in death. She leaves behind to cherish her memory two children, Bennie "Frank" Cooke of Pine Hill, NJ and Jessica Raiford Helton of Sicklerville, NJ; four grandchildren, Tracy (Keith) Wallace of Philadelphia, PA, Mitchell (Margaret) Helton III of Sicklerville, NJ, Danielle (Todd) Baylock of Sicklerville, NJ and Ben Akono Cooke of Philadelphia, PA; seven great grands, Joseph, Jessica, Mitchell, Dyquan, Tyreek, Sahnti and Simone; one great great grandchild, NyQir. She also leaves behind a devoted son-in-law, Mitchell Helton Jr. of Williamstown, NJ and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.