Mary Louise Cockrell, 86, Freeman, MO, died Sunday, July 19, 2009 at her home. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2009 at the Atkinson Chapel in Harrisonville, MO. Burial will be in Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, MO. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Christian Church (Disciplies of Christ), 400 South Independence Street, Harrisonville, MO 64701.

Mary was born February 23, 1923 in Forgon, OK, the daughter of Archie and Lydia (White) Cooley. Mary graduated from nursing school in Joplin, MO and worked as a pediatric nurse. She married Forrest M. Cockrell on July 29, 1944.

Mary was a homemaker. She was a strong Christian and loved to be involved in church and made sure her children were always in church. She strongly supported education and always supported her children, from PTA through high school and into college. Mary loved flowers, wildlife, music and especially enjoyed spending time with her family. Mary was also a caregiver for many people.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Forrest on October 5, 1999. She is survived by one son, F. Edwin Cockrell and his wife, Connie of Lee's Summit, MO; two daughters, Dr. Sharon K. Flora and her husband, Leland of Hardy, VA and Myrna L. Pittaway of Annapolis, MD; four brothers, Jim Cooley, Melvin Cooley, Paul Cooley and Archie Cooley; 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.