Memorial Service
Saturday, March 18, 2023
2:00 PM
Mary Esther UMC
Reception
Following the service
With both great sadness and gospel hope, we report that Mary Anne Cockerill, beloved mother and long-time resident of Ft Walton Beach, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2023.
The Memorial Service will be held here at Mary Esther United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 2:00 PM. Following the service, a reception will take place.
Mary Anne was born on March 24, 1935, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Carl Ray and Anna Keiser Gober. She graduated with honors from Florence State College in 1958 where she obtained her degree in education. She had a passion for teaching children to read and spent her career teaching first grade (primarily at Kenwood Elementary) until her retirement in 1991. She loved the Lord and was a member of Mary Esther United Methodist for 53 years serving as a children’s Sunday School teacher and in many other leadership positions. She was also a long-term volunteer with Sharing and Caring.
Mary Anne married the love of her life, Robert Cockerill, on August 14, 1969, and they became a close-knit blended family with 5 daughters. They spent many happy years together traveling, taking cruises, and reveling in their grandchildren’s accomplishments.
Mary Anne was predeceased by her parents, husband Bob, daughter Carla, and brother Carl Ray. She is survived by her daughters Denise (Mike) Bir, Mary (Roberto) Herrera, Chris (David) Sears, and Mona (Randy) Kizer, nine grandchildren — Jerod (Chelsie) Hayden, Spencer (Lacie) Hayden, Alison (Ricky) Ungaro, Bobby (Nadia) Herrera, Katie (Joe) Emer, Keith (Meagan) Kizer, Brett Kizer, Amy (Eddie) Parlier, and Tyler White — 17 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Jerry Gober, and brother William (Jodie) Davidson as well as beloved nieces and nephews.
The family is so thankful for the loving caregivers at Brookdale Memory Care and Vitas Hospice, they were truly angels on earth and cared for Mary Anne and her family over many years.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to MEUMC or Vitas Hospice.