Roena Blanche Cockrum

Roena “Blanche” McSpadden Cockrum age 100, of Knoxville, began her new life with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, passing away peacefully as she slept. Blanche was born on July 24, 1918, in Monroe County, TN to Harvey and Hettie (Brakebill) McSpadden. She married Clarence Cockrum in 1935, and they were happily married for 51 years until his death in 1986. Blanche’s church, City View Baptist, was a very important part of her life, and she served in many ways during her 86 years of membership, including the Euzilian Sunday school class, choir, teaching the 9-year-old girls’ class, WMU, many other offices and activities. She was a loyal and faithful employee at JCPenney on Gay Street, retiring after 37 years. Blanche enjoyed making many crafts and was a dedicated member of the City View Baptist quilting group for many years. She also loved to read and continued her daily Bible reading even when macular degeneration made it difficult. Blanche’s favorite activities were spending time with her many family members and friends and visiting Dollywood as often as possible. Blanche is preceded in death by parents Harvey and Hettie McSpadden, husband Clarence, beloved only child Trula Ault, sisters Joyce Cockrum and Wanda Collier. She is survived by son-in-law Edward Ault, Jr., grandchildren: Debbie Ault, Edd (Terrie) Ault, John (Kim) Ault, Justin (Becky) Ault; granddaughter-in-law Karen Ault, great-grandchildren: Bobby (Bayley), Tori, Laura, Billy, Micah (Allie), Nathan, Jacob, and Aaron; and many loving family members and friends. The family will receive friends Friday, January 25, 2019 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at ROSE MORTUARY BROADWAY CHAPEL, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life with Rev. Luckey Steele and Rev. Gene Hurley officiating. Family and friends will meet Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Highland Memorial Cemetery at 10:45 am for an 11:00 am interment. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the van ministry or missions at City View Baptist Church in Knoxville, the Love Kitchen in Knoxville, or the charity of your choice. An online obituary may be viewed or condolences made at www.rosemortuary.com.

Tributes

Roena Blanche Cockrum

January 22, 2019