Page 1 - The Fayetteville Press Newspaper March 27, 2026 Edition

SPANISH SPEAKING CNA’s NEEDED NOW - Call (910)-551-3331

The Fayetteville Press

www.fayettevillepress.com Call Theresa Frett
Director
(910) 551-3331

Volume 36 No. 5 March 27. 2026 Edition * (910) 323-3120 - Office Fayetteville, NC

Sandra Cookman...

ONE OF A KIND

Story by Jae McKrae - Editor

Days before her passing, Sandra Cookman, native

of Mt. Olive, appeared to be optimistic about her medi-
cal recovery. In fact, her family and close friends were

also optimistic about it.

Sandra “Sandy” Cookman was so vivacious and
supportive of her family and friends, there was no one

who openly felt she wasn’t coming home. With that in

mind, news of her passing was

nerve shattering.
With a background in radio marketing and man-

agement, Sandy was known by members of various

radio stations in Fayetteville, and in other markets. I
have never heard a negative comment about Sandra

Cookman. She enjoyed seeing and helping people

succeed...a genuine problem solver.
I met her in a clothing store at the Cross Creek Mall

in Fayetteville while I was in high school. She men-

tioned her home town, and I asked did she know any-
one from the Ward family (my family) there, and she

said yes. A few weeks later while I shopped at the store,

she became my big sister. I would go there looking at

shirts and she would grab one and say, “This one is for
you; you would look nice in this, get this one!”

After graduating from high school, I moved away

and returned to Fayetteville. 5 years later. To my sur-
prise, Sandy was working at a radio station, and I

started working there too. If I had a problem, I shared

it with her and without asking she would help me re-

solve my troubles.

Not long ago, I actually lost my oldest sister, Mia,

and after sharing that with Sandy, I handled it better.
Of course I was hurt, however having another big sis-

ter was emotionally helpful.

JJ Jones, Fayetteville Press publisher said, “Sandy

Cookman, was there for the Fayetteville Press News-

paper more than 35 years. We worked together annu-
ally when we celebrated WIDU and the Fayetteville

Press newspaper’s anniversary! According

to JJ Jones All of Fayetteville and surrounding media

partners will miss Sandra Cookman”

It says alot that I have not spoken to anyone who

didn’t feel how straight forward, supportive and en-
couraging Sandra Cookman was.

May Sandra Cookman’s soul rest and be covered

by our Father in heaven.
To Sandra Cookman’s family and friends, your

prayers were answered, and now Sandy Cookman

is free!
God Bless you all!