Georgia Mae Garner Cockerham

Georgia Mae Garner Cockerham left this world to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 14, 2019. Born June 23, 1925, to Woodie Word and Lora Lee Garner, Georgia was a graduate of Hamilton High School and was a lifelong resident of Hamilton. She met her sweetheart, John Allen Cockerham, in grade school and they were married after graduation on August 23, 1942. They lived to celebrate more than 76 years of marriage and often said the secret to a long marriage was love, respect, forgiveness and relying on the Lord for everything. Their life together was a true picture of love and commitment through good times and bad. Right after their marriage, they worked together at the Columbus Air Force Base for a short time. Georgia said good-bye to John when he was drafted to serve in WWII in 1943. One of her greatest joys in life was when he came home in 1945. Over the years, Georgia and John found joy in being the parents to 5 children. Their family has grown to now include great-great grandchildren! Georgia and John provided all the love and encouragement a family would ever need. She found her calling as a mother and a homemaker. Georgia said goodbye once again to John when he left to be with Jesus on March 9, 2019. They had been together at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS since February. She is now reunited with him in heaven and that will be for eternity! Georgia loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and lived her life loving and serving others. She loved to work in her garden and she loved to cook. She always welcomed others into her home. Her hospitality and kindness were two of her many strengths. She was a member of Center Hill Baptist Church in Hamilton, MS. She served in various positions of ministry over the years. She loved teaching children the Bible. She loved music and spent many years as a member of a musical group from the church. She was a faithful member of the choir for over 50 years. Georgia leaves behind a lasting legacy of family who was able to bear witness to her remarkable life of faith and learn from her example, these include: one brother, Norris Garner (Faye) of Hot Springs, Arkansas; her children, Philip Lance Cockerham (Judy) of Hamilton, Terry Garner Cockerham of Hamilton, Lisa Cockerham Martin (Charlie) of Trussville, Alabama and Kevin Wayne Cockerham (Cindy) of Hamilton; 14 grandchildren, Leigh Ann West, Latham Cockerham, Philana Cockerham, Wesley Cockerham, Tracey Cockerham, Jada Newman, Jordan Vance, Maeci Walker, Micah Martin, Matthew Martin, Kemmins Cockerham, Cheslee Cockerham, Madelyn Cockerham, and Georgia Cockerham; and 16 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Also numerous nieces and nephews. Georgia had experienced the sadness of losing one son, John Allen Cockerham, Jr. (Celeste), two daughters-in-law; Lynda Cockerham (Terry) and Michelle Cockerham, (Kevin), and a grandson, Lance Cockerham.