Donna Marie Hennington Cook, 65, of Irmo, died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Donna was born July 29, 1960, in Columbia, SC, daughter of LorEtta Percival Johnson and the late Charles Johnson. Family was most important to her; she loved coordinating gatherings for special occasions including birthdays, holidays, and graduations. She always enjoyed hosting and cooking for family during these events, making her grandkids favorite; pigs in a blanket.
She was a proud Gamecock, graduating the University of South Carolina in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Accounting, becoming the first member of her family to earn a four-year degree. While in school, she worked at her Uncle Dupre's restaurants and bars, McIntosh's and Pickel's. After school, she began her career in the banking industry.
She became a successful businesswoman and took great pride in her work and professional achievements. Donna worked at multiple high profile banks, eventually rising into senior HR leadership roles. She retired in December 2025, ending her career as a Senior Vice President at South State Bank. Donna raised two sons, Parker and Blaine, together with her husband, Dennis. She spent their school years on the sidelines, as a beloved member of the soccer community throughout Irmo and Columbia. Outside of work, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandkids, taking care of her flowers around the house, going shopping with her mom and sister, reading, watching movies and walking her dog, Puma. Donna was a true friend to many, including those she grew up with, went to school with, and worked alongside. She was a dedicated member of St. Johns Lutheran Church and spent years serving as treasurer and a sitting member of the church council.
Survivors include her husband, Dennis Cook; sons, Blaine Cook and Parker Hennington (Diana); grandchildren, Rex, Olive, and Curtis Hennington; mother, LorEtta "Ya Ya" Percival; sister, Pam Russell (Dan); nephews, Cody "Toe Toe" and Jesse Russell; step-brother, Josh Johnson (Brittany); uncle, L. Dupre "Junior" Percival (Gina); uncle, Franklin Percival (Kimberly); cousins, Bobby, Larry and Anna Percival; brother-in-law, Gary Cook (Christy); and nieces, Emily and Haley Cook.
The service for Mrs. Cook will be held Wednesday, February 4th, at 11 am, at St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Michele Fischer officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall at the Church. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 1028 St. Johns Road, Irmo, SC 29063.