Lila Pearl Novak

Lela (named after her grandmother Lela Lilley) joined her Savior in Eternity on June 2, 2026, after fighting several illnesses.

She was born in Toro, near Florien, LA, on October 18, 1941, to Harvey Cook and Pearl E. Lilley Cook. She was the 3rd of 4 children. Two of those preceded her in death. Her brother, H.G. Cook (Mary Ann) and her sister Neva Nicholas (Rodney). Also preceding her in death is her first husband of 21 years Bobby H. McDonald, her parents Harvey and Pearl, and an infant son Bryan McDonald.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband John K. Novak of 38 years. John and Lela enjoyed antiquing, flea markets, and other common interests. They attended South Bossier Baptist in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Her 3 children Rose (McDonald) Garcia, Ritchie T. McDonald (Amy), and Robin L. Bagley (Christian) will miss her until reunited one day in Heaven. She was a wonderful mother.

“Nana” is survived by four grandchildren:

Kaleb Chandler (Brianna), McKenna Claire Garcia, Teagan Camille Bagley, and Tatum Leigh Bagley; and 2 great grandchildren: Adalynn (Adi) Chandler and Payton Ryan Chandler.

Lela Pearl is also survived by one brother, Dan Cook (Jeri), sister-in-laws, a brother in law, and a number of nieces and nephews, including grand nieces and nephews.

In high school, she famously averaged 20 points a game in basketball. She caught the eye (as a Senior) of a young referee. After graduation and beginning Louisiana College in Pineville, LA, she married him (Bobby) at age 20. Later after years as a mother and wife, she returned to complete her Masters Degree in Education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

She spent 20 years teaching Special Education students in Sabine Parish before retiring, touching many lives. She passed on the education gene to all 3 children as did their Daddy, Bobby. Rose, Ritchie, and Robin all completed their degrees in some form of Education.

She was a life long Southern Baptist who loved to read her Bible. Participating in the First Baptist Church of Shreveport’s “Read the Entire Bible/ Bookmark Program” several times. She said she learned new things each time she read it in it’s entirety.

She loved hymns, singing, and also played piano. Her home cooking was a gift to all and requested by many. Homemade biscuits, a “mean” pan of dressing at holidays, “potatoes in the white sauce” as her family called it, and piping hot cornbread muffins would bring young and old to her table. Sewing in her later years brought joy as she created “yo yo” masterpieces with a needle and thread. She even won an award for her imagination.

Her Christian parents led her down the path to the Lord. It was her fervent prayer that all those she loved would come to know Jesus.

John 3:16 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.