Jean Carpenter Cockrell

BATTLEBORO – God called Jean Carpenter Cockrell, age 86, to her heavenly home to be with her Lord, her husband, and her son on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.  Born in Nash County, NC on May 17, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Buck B. Carpenter and Mamie Langley Carpenter.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Gene Darwin Cockrell; her son, Gene Darwin Cockrell, Jr.; and her brothers, Buck Carpenter, Jr., Marvin Carpenter, and Thurman Carpenter.

Jean loved music whether playing piano, singing or just listening.  For several years she sang with a group from Battleboro Baptist Church trying to touch souls for Christ.  Music was always very calming to her soul.  She loved basketball, playing in school and then cheering on Duke to win and other times pulling for Carolina.  Being with her family and friends having fun and laughing was the highlight of her days.  Her Lord was very important in her life, praying for people in need whatever the circumstance.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Tina Mayo and husband, Charlie, of Battleboro; her four grandchildren, Madison Mayo, McKenize Mayo, Chandler Cockrell, and Molly Cockrell; her brothers-in-law, Spencer Cockrell and wife, BJ and Ricky Cockrell and wife, Pam; her sister-in-law, Donna Matthews; and many nieces and nephews.  She also leaves behind a very special companion.  Her name is Cookie.  By the way, this was Molly’s dog but Jean made a proclamation “I will not love that dog.”  Oh well.. see how that turned out.

A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Glen Moore officiating.  Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home until 5:00 PM.

The family will be happy to receive friends anytime at Tina and Charlie Mayo’s home at 1049 W. Battleboro Ave., Battleboro, NC  27809.

At a later time, the ashes of Jean, Gene, and Darwin will be put under home plate in their ball park, finally making it home together.  May God lead, guide and protect each of you until we all meet together in heaven.

The family would like to thank the staff of PAM Specialty Hospital for all their care and kindness during this most difficult time.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Jean’s memory to PAM Specialty Hospital, 1051 Noel Drive, Rocky Mount, NC  27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.