Cook’s daughter, Marsha Gerber, said the twins were born prematurely and weren’t expected to make it. Instead, they lived 83 years together.

Cook died of a heart attack and Mitchel died from Alzheimer’s complications.

The family believes that the close timing of their deaths is not a coincidence. Gerber told KHOU that, "Helen met Clara in heaven."

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez