Gladys Cockroft's Obituary
Gladys Louise Cockroft of Germantown, TN went home to be with her Heavenly Father on November 14, 2013. Gladys was born on April 3, 1928 in Mississippi and lived most of her life in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Noonan Bishop Carpenter and Louise Hodges Carpenter.In 1953, she married her sweetheart William “Bill” Cockroft and had 56 great years with him. Gladys was a wonderful mother to their daughters Angee Hughes of Los Angeles, CA and Kay Cockroft of Eads, TN, and their son William Scott Cockroft, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Bartlett, TN. Gladys was lovingly called “Gigi” by her six grandchildren: Kassie Collins, Kelly Cockroft, James Cockroft, Lyndsey Hedger, Jessie Stewart and Don Hughes.Gladys attended Memphis State University and worked as a teacher for a few years. After she married Bill, she became a homemaker and cared for their three children. Gladys was involved in many church and community roles throughout her life. She was a charter member and past president of her chapter of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She was a member of the Home Economics Club of Memphis and held the position of Treasurer. Gladys even held the title of “Miss Home Economics” at Memphis State University. She was always an active member of the churches she attended and recently, was a volunteer as a Prayer Chain Chairman for her Sunday School class at her church, Germantown Baptist.Some of Gladys’ favorite activities included entertaining guests in her home, sewing, cooking, traveling, and reading. She also enjoyed gardening and loved flowers. Gladys maintained lifelong friendships and kept the long lost art of letter writing alive. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Gladys will miss her beauty and graceful way of living life to the fullest.Gladys was predeceased by her mother, father, brother, Reverend Bob Carpenter, and husband. She is survived by her children and grandchildren.Those close to Gladys knew that she was an Ovarian Cancer survivor. In celebration of that, those who would prefer to send a memorial in lieu of flowers, may donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at 14 Penn Plaza, Suite 1710, New York, NY 10122.Visitation will be Monday, November 18 from 11:30-1:00 with the funeral service at 1:00 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119.
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