Ruth G. Cockerham

October 2, 2024

Ruth G. Cockerham, 92, of Charlotte, NC died October 2, 2024 at Waltonwood Cotswold. Ruth was born October 16, 1931, daughter of Wiley Edgar Gay and Martha Elizabeth Corbett Gay. She married Bobby L. Cockerham in 1953 while he was a student at NC State University, and she was working towards her RN at the Rex Hospital School of Nursing. They would reside in Charlotte and Lake Norman for the next 71 years. Bob passed away in 2020. Ruth used her Nursing training working as an OB Nurse at Presbyterian Hospital and later at Pettaway May McCleod OBGYN Clinic.

Strong in her faith, Ruth was very active in her church, First Baptist Church Charlotte since 1957. She worked in the nursery and children’s departments and later with Senior Fun Mondays and Senior Outreach. Ruth was a kind and generous southern lady and loved her gardening and flowers.

Ruth was most proud of her family. She is survived by her three children, sons, Bobby L. Cockerham Jr. and his wife, Carol, and Timothy N. Cockerham and his wife, Debbie and daughter, Dr. Terri Cockerham and her husband, Lou Clendaniel; grandchildren, Dr. Bobby L. Cockerham III and his wife, Traci, Elizabeth Cockerham Ralston and her husband, Thomas, Brett O’Neil Cockerham and his wife, Heather, Nicole Cockerham Crate and Dan Crate; great-grandchildren, Court and Cameron Cockerham, Delaney Crate, and Tommy and Grace Ralston.

In addition to her husband, Ruth was predeceased by a grandson, Tyler Braden Cockerham and her four siblings, James Edgar Gay, Dorothy Gay Silva, Edna Earle Gay Harris and Allen Wayne Gay.

The family is grateful for three special friends, Louise Warren, Sylvia Coffee and Mary Lou Purvis for their kindness and visits. They also would like to thank the staff of Waltonwood Cotswold for the love and support of their Mom.

Services will be private.

Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or Levine Children’s Hospital, c/o Atrium Health Foundation, 7800 Providence Rd, Suite 208, Charlotte, NC 28226.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Tom Crow

    My wife (Jackie) and I had a wonderful special friendship with Ruth & Bob for 20 years as I served as Executive Pastor for their church. We trusted their counsel, enjoyed their friendship, learned from their wisdom and will always be thankful for their love.
    Family, God bless you each, we are praying for you in your time of loss. The world is better because of your parents.
    May the God of hope fill you with all joy even in loss.

  • Dennis Harris

    I will miss my Aunt Ruth so much. Over the years, she and I became phone buddies through frequent and lengthy conversations. She had the best sense of humor that was fun, a bit sassy, and loving all at once. I love her. Brenda and I offer our deepest condolences to Teri, Bobby, and Tim. We, too, are heart broken and hope your precious memories will help ease your grief.