Created January 21, 2016
In Memory

- This eternal flame burns forever
- in remembrance of Ann Wilodene Cockman -

Ann Wilodene Cockman
Born: July 23, 1927
Died: January 19, 2016

Wilodene Reece Cockman, of Benton, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2016.
She was born Ann Wilodene Reece in the Sunshine Community outside
Hot Springs on July 23, 1927 to the late Frank and Dora Reece. In addition
to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Jessie “J.C.”

She was a late-in-life baby, her brother and sisters being almost grown, so
she was raised and loved by her whole family. For most in the community at
that time, school ended at 8th grade, but her family believed in education, so
she went to live with her sister, Minnie Smith to complete her high school
diploma at Hot Springs High School

After graduation Wilodene went to work for Mountain Valley Water Co.
There she met her future husband, Rayburn Cockman. Rayburn had just
gotten out of the Army and Wilodene was told to contact him about a job
that was opening up with the company. As luck would have it, they were the
only two single people with company, so the match maker went to work.
Eventually they married and moved to Benton where they had two daughters,
Tamara and Phyllis.

After the children were in school Wilodene went to Business College to
brush up her skills before seeking employment. She was top in her class and
was offered a job at the Pentagon. She declined that job, because home and
family and Arkansas was the most important to her. She accepted
employment with the State Department of Education first working with
Home Education. She was instrumental in putting on FHA convention for
several years. She then moved to Vocational Education in Trade and
Industrial and finally to be an Administrative Assistant to the Deputy
Director of the 24 Vocational Technical Schools in Arkansas after 20 years
she retired and she and Rayburn traveled and enjoyed their grandchildren.
Wilodene & Rayburn were long time members of Arkansas One, a
Recreational Vehicle Travel Club..

Wilodene was very active in her church, Calvary Baptist, where she was a
member for over 60 years, as well as volunteering in PTA and BPW. She was
a top notch homemaker and a wonderful cook. She was a much loved and
admired by her family and was truly the heart of their home. She took the
time to get to know everyone she met and was known for sending sweet
cards, buying the most thoughtful gifts, and praying for those she loved and
her church.

This special woman is survived by her husband, Rayburn Cockman,
two daughters and son-in-laws, Tamara and Hal Lammey of Benton and
Phyllis and Vernon Brooks of Royal;
five grandchildren, Adrianne and Parker Brooks, Julia Sexton, Shaun
Lammey, Kevin and Kim Lammey; five great-grandchildren, Preston and
McKinley Sexton, Jackson Lammey, and Ava, and Madelyn Lammey; sisters in
law, Patricia Cockman, Margaret and Elbert Ragsdale; many nieces and
nephews; special caregivers, Donna Grissom, Shay Blankenship, and Karli
Bieker. She is also survived by three precious caregivers, Donna Grissom,
Shay Blankenship, and Karli Bieker.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 23, 2016 at
Calvary Baptist Church in Benton with Bro. Frank Thurman officiating.
Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander, AR.

Visitation is from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2016 at Calvary Baptist
Church under the direction of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton
(501-315-4047).

Pallbearers are grandsons, Parker Brooks, Shawn Lammey, and Kevin Lammey
and nephews, Andy Russell, Ben Williams, and Tyler Ryals. Honorary
pallbearers are the former staff and directors of the Arkansas Vocational
Technical Department and vo-tech schools.

Memorials may be given to Calvary Baptist Church or Gideons International.


Sign Wilodene's Guest Book


Though She's gone, She is not forgotten.
Though absent, She remains in spirit.
Though once a worker, She now rest.



by The Arkansas Good Sams

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