Karen “Kay” Cook, age 71, of Asheville, NC passed away on January 22, 2025 in Asheville, NC. Karen was born in Charleston, SC on October 4, 1953 to the late Leslie Cook and Beatrice Cook. Kay is preceded in death by her nephew, Matthew Cook. She is survived by her siblings, Larry Cook (Kathy), of Weaverville, NC, and Linda McDaniel, of Asheville, NC. She is also survived by her nephews, Andy McDaniel (Stephanie), of Banner Elk, and Daniel Cook (Sonya), of Weaverville, NC; her niece, Valerie Slaughter, of Asheville, NC, and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Bailey Slaughter, Abigail Cook, Caroline McDaniel, Leighton Cook, JC McDaniel and Zeb McDaniel. Kay graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in social work. After working in the sales profession in Houston, Raleigh and Charlotte, she returned to Western North Carolina and worked as a social worker at various nursing homes including Givens Estates and The North Carolina Veterans Home. Kay loved sitting under an umbrella at the beach. She also loved rocking on her porch at her camper in the mountains and gathering with friends around the campfire.