Jeanne Watson Cockey

Jeanne Watson Cockey of Claiborne, MD passed away at her home on April 27, 2008 with her family in attendance. Born June 2, 1929 in Columbus, GA, on her father’s birthday, she was a gift and treasure to her family and all the lives she touched. Her early childhood was spent in Georgia, where her southern charm and slight accent was developed. Later childhood and teen years were spent in Florida and Washington, D.C. She attended and graduated from Mainland High School in Daytona, FL in 1947, had a year of “campusology” at Stetson University, worked a year and then returned to school to earn her degree. She found a lifelong sisterhood with her Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority at the University of Maryland College Park where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics, Textiles & Clothing, and upholstery, which she used her entire life. On June 7, 1953 Jeanne and John Millis Cockey were joined in Holy matrimony at the United States Navy Academy Chapel, Annapolis, MD, where John had just graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. This launched their life as a career Marine couple. Stationed in many states throughout the U.S. and overseas in Taiwan, they raised four daughters but always kept roots and a “home base” for the family here at “The Bungalow”. As a Marine Corp wife she moved often but wherever the family moved she made the house a home. Her hobbies included reading, needlework, and re-upholstering furniture, but her favorite was sewing, which she started at a very young age. While still in elementary school and too small to reach the treadle of the singer machine, she stood up to work the machine with her foot and made her first dress. She made much of the family’s clothing and designed and made most of her formal wear. She and her husband also loved to dance. After retirement from military life and settling here full time in the family ancestral home with John, she assisted with the ARC of Talbot County, and gave of her time so that Sally, her daughter, could volunteer with the Talbot Special Riders for many years. As a member of the Edge Creek Boat Club she enjoyed socializing. She was a gracious host to many who visited and many friends became family. Mrs. Cockey is survived by three children, Dorothy Cockey Lloyd and her husband Barry of Winchester, VA, Barbara J. “Beja” Marshall and her companion Edward L. Torbert of Easton, and Salvadora A. Cockey of Claiborne; two grandchildren, Ian Wyatt Lloyd and Nalise L. Mullikin and her husband Robert H. Mullikin III; a great-grandson, Robert Henry Mullikin IV; son-in-law, Neal P. Lednum of Tilghman, MD; and sister-in-law Adine Cockey Kelly of Claiborne, MD. She also leaves behind many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Leonard Watson, Sr. and Dorothy Martin Minter Watson of Ormond Beach, FL; her husband, Lt. Col John Millis Cockey USMC ret. of Claiborne, MD; a daughter, Elizabeth Cockey Lednum of Tilghman, MD; and a brother, Andrew Leonard Watson, Jr. Jeanne will be laid to rest with her one true love, John, at Arlington National Cemetery with a private family graveside service. Friends and family will be invited to gather for a memorial celebration of life that will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601 or Talbot Special Riders, Inc. PO Box 391, Easton, MD 21601. Arrangements are by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, MD.

Jeanne Watson Cockey

June 2, 1929 - April 27, 2008