Mary Anne Cockerill

            Mary Anne Cockerill beloved mother and long time resident of Ft Walton Beach passed away peacefully on February 19, 2023. She 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. Mary Anne 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.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00PM on  March 18, 2023 at Mary Esther United Methodist Church, 703 Miracle Strip Parkway, Mary Esther FL 32569. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to MEUMC or Vitas Hospice. Expressions of sympathy and support may be placed and viewed online at www.mclaughlinmortuary.com.

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