GRIFFIN COCKERHAM, BESSIE L - Pulaski County, Arkansas | BESSIE L GRIFFIN COCKERHAM - Arkansas Gravestone Photos

Bessie L GRIFFIN COCKERHAM

Chapel Hill Memorial Park Cemetery
Pulaski County,
Arkansas

Herbert
(See older military stone)
Jul 1, 1927 - Jul 8, 1985

Bessie
Nov 29, 1931 - Jul 15, 2016

OBIT

Bessie L. Cockerham, born Nov. 29, 1931, passed away July 15, 2016, surrounded by family and friends. She struggled with multiple medical problems, succumbing to congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

Bessie was raised in and around Gibsland, La. Upon the death of her mother Bertha Hicks Griffin, she was placed in Methodist Children's Home in Ruston, La. Eventually her father Edward Shumpert Griffin was able to find employment and brought Bessie and her five brothers and two sisters home. Her brothers were John Griffin, Gordon Griffin, Dennis Griffin, Robert Griffin, and Edward Griffin Jr. Three of them John, Dennis, and Edward would enlist in the U.S. armed services. John and Dennis would eventually hit Omaha Beach while Edward would serve in the U.S. Navy Pacific Theater. Coupled with her brothers, Bessie had two sisters Ruth Terry Griffin and Eleanor Griffin.

After completing 11 years of education, Bessie dropped out of school and began working in Springhill, La., for the local Woolworth's Store. She would eventually obtain her G.E.D. and work for Walmart, retiring in 1996. In 1947, Bessie met Herbert Maxwell Cockerham Sr. They married Nov. 22, 1948, and remained married for 36 years until his death July 8, 1985. Their union would produce three children Francis Nina Cockerham, Herbert Maxwell Cockerham Jr. and Michael Wayne Cockerham.

As the wife of a career Navy corpsman, Bessie was able to travel extensively with her family. Wherever Chief Cockerham was stationed, Mrs. Cockerham involved herself in the local Christian community. After his death, Bessie moved from Texas to Louisiana, again involving herself in the local Christian community. Known for her gentleness and compassion, Bessie was quick to share her of love of Jesus Christ with both strangers and friends.

She moved from Louisiana to Oregon in 2003 to be closer to her sons, whereupon joining Shasta Way Christian Church. She enjoyed playing cards with her Christian sisters, was active in the SPLASH group, the weekly Bible study group, and visiting local points of interest with her friends.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband Herbert Cockerham Sr.; daughter Francis Nina Cockerham, brothers John, David, Edward, and Gordon, and sister Eleanor. She is survived by her sons Herbert M. Cockerham Jr. and Michael Cockerham; daughter-in-law Judy Cockerham; one grandson; and multiple step-sons and step-daughters. -

Contributed on 11/26/21 by eagle12953
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Record #: 1403154

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Additional GRIFFIN COCKERHAM Surnames in CHAPEL HILL MEMORIAL PARK Cemetery

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Submitted: 11/26/21 • Approved: 12/1/21 • Last Updated: 12/4/21 • R1403154-G1403152-S3

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