Peggy M. Cockrell

Peggy McIntire Cockrell age 88, of French Camp, MS, stepped into Glory on February 10th at her home surrounded by family and friends.

She was born on March 8, 1937, in Chester, MS. She graduated from Ackerman High School in 1955, and then went on to attend Wood Junior College and Mississippi State University where she received her B.S. in Science, and her Master’s in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading.

She began her teaching career at French Camp Elementary in 1959 and taught for the Choctaw County School System for over 40 years. She also taught high school Reading for 2 years at French Camp Academy. She loved teaching and dedicated her life to the children in her classroom. She would look forward to each new year and would get excited about the new students who would come through her door. She also loved her coworkers who became more than coworkers; they were dear friends. She spent many years mentoring young teachers, and after she retired, she continued to support students and teachers.

In 1960, Peggy along with her husband John Robert moved to French Camp where they began their lifelong ministry at the Academy and became members of French Camp Presbyterian Church. She continued to teach, while she and John Robert became house parents to the children in Craig Home and then Spencer McCain. Mama Cockrell was what many called her. She spent 69 years, as a loving wife, supporting John Robert in the many roles in which he served. Her time at FCA was filled with many years of joy as she served alongside the other staff whom she considered family.

Encouragement was Peggy’s gift and she spent many years being a consistent encourager to all those she knew. Peggy was a loving mother who led by example, provided constant support, and spent a lifetime being a prayer warrior, especially for her daughter Jennifer.

The joy of being a grandmother began in 1993. She was her grandchildren’s biggest encourager and she spent many years teaching them, adventuring with them, supporting them, but most importantly loving them and pointing them to Christ.

Peggy was preceded in death by her father William Harley McIntire, mother Peggy Arlene McIntire, and brother William Sheron McIntire.She is survived by her husband John Robert Cockrell, daughter Jennifer Morgan of French Camp, Mississippi, grandson Jon Morgan of Las Vegas, Nevada, granddaughter Katee Anne Morgan of Starkville,Mississippi, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

A Memorial service will be held at French Camp Presbyterian Church, on February 18th, with a visitation from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and the Memorial Service will follow at 2:00. Reverend Alex Coblentz will be officiating, and the Reverend Jay Forester, and Larry Littlejohn will assist.

Preceding the Memorial Service will be a family graveside.

The family would like to thank all of those from Mississippi Home Care, Gentiva Hospice, and her caregiver for the way they loved and cared for her like their own over this last year.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to French Camp Presbyterian Church or French Camp Academy.