Judith Scouten Robertson Cook

Mrs. Judith Scouten Robertson Cook, 81, passed away on November 13, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries from a car accident not far from her home in Fairview, North Carolina. Born on May 8, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, Judith lived a life rich with knowledge, creativity, profound curiosity, and deep affection for her family and the world around her.

Judith was a true Renaissance woman—highly intelligent, deeply academic, and immensely talented in every endeavor she pursued. Her curiosity was boundless and her passions diverse. Whether it was advanced sewing—where she not only crafted clothing and accessories for herself, others, and her children but was also published twice for her work—or delving into literature, aviation, gardening, ornithology, or classical music, Judith approached each interest with dedication and brilliance. As an aviation enthusiast, and, as a young woman, she took flying lessons and flew light aircraft to earn a pilot’s license. Additionally, she spent many of her years playing tennis, riding bikes, and hiking. She was an accomplished pianist and cellist, a devoted, lifelong student of art and architecture, and a lover of history, theatre, opera, and culture. Her home reflected her refined aesthetic sensibilities and love of nature through interior decorating that blended elegance with comfort.

She found joy in the outdoors and cherished traveling, often ensuring that every outing, visit, or trip had meaningful, educational value. Her love for learning extended to the natural world; she could identify thousands of plants by their Latin names and had an encyclopedic knowledge of birds. Judith’s culinary skills ranged from delicious simple comfort food to sophisticated, complex haute cuisine, always prepared with meticulous intention and care. Family gatherings were nothing short of extraordinary — beautifully decorated to match the occasion and filled with scrumptious food that reflected her thoughtfulness and artistry. She also enjoyed “car rallies” or “tours” in the Ramseys’ green Triumph Spitfire, and with Derek in his beige Austin-Healey Sprite.

Judith’s warmth extended to everyone around her. She was genuine and kind-hearted, known for her frequent, amusing chuckle that brought joy to those who heard it. Despite being serious about life’s pursuits, she had a wonderful sense of humor and a joyful spirit that made time spent with her unforgettable. She had a unique ability to connect deeply with each member of her family individually while loving them all equally.

Although Judith was notoriously a very reserved, private person, she also made many fond and fun memories with her groups of dear female friends of many years, specifically the “Wachterettes” and “The Dozen” as she cleverly called them.

She is survived by her loving husband Derek Cook of Fairview, NC; her sister Dana Myers of Eupora, MS; and her devoted children and stepchildren: daughter Jennifer Robertson Wilson (Greg) of Asheville, NC; son Jonathan Robertson (Brittany) of Gastonia, NC; daughter Laura D. Robertson Welsh (PJ, deceased) of Charlotte, NC; stepson Martin Cook (Sandy) of High Point, NC; stepdaughter Suzanne Cook (Danny) of Weaverville, NC; and stepson Robert Cook (Pam) of Mills River, NC.

Judith was a very proud grandmother to thirteen grandchildren/step-grandchildren: Kelleigh "Alexx" Azel, Lil' Gregg Wilson, Kristan Robertson, Logan Lee Robertson, Joseph Gage Robertson, Aiden Buchanan, Amanda Welsh, Cameron Welsh (Kendall), Chelsea Cook, Alex Cook, Brian Hart (Lindsey), Adam Hart (Ashley), Morgan Prince (Josh), and Jackson Cook. She also leaves behind eleven step-great-grandchildren: Hayden Welsh, Eloise Cook, Winston Cook, Bryson Hart, Brody Hart, Reilly Hart, Mason Hart, Skylar Hart, Payton Hart, Kade Prince, and Kannon Prince. Her nephews include Bill Scouten, M.D., a Captain in the US Navy; Paul Scouten (TheCopperSmithNC) of Black Mountain, NC; and Jonathan “Brett” Myers of Georgia.

Judith was preceded in death by her mother Josephine “Jo” Scouten; her father William W. “Bill” Scouten, Jr; previous husband Dr. Logan T. Robertson of Cruso, NC; her brother Charles Scouten (Karen) of Warrenville, IL; and one cherished grandson Logan Alexander "Wee Alex" Azel.

In accordance with Judith’s wishes and with the assistance of Asheville Mortuary Services in Swannanoa, cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date to scatter her ashes in the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains she so dearly loved and called home —at her favorite place along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

May Judith’s memory be a source of comfort to all who knew her and may her legacy continue to inspire curiosity, creativity, and love for generations to come.

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