Our dear mother, Donna Lou Cockrum (Spencer), 83 years old, born on May 16th, 1941, to Norman A. Spencer and Georgia G. Spencer (Joiner), passed away in her home in Sesser, IL on August 14th, 2024, from Acute Myeloid Leukemia, surrounded by her family.
She was a wonderful mother whose greatest love was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She found the most enjoyment from her family, gardening, crafts, crocheting, working puzzles, and many adventures with her best friend, Mary Jane Summers, of Benton, IL. Her home was her haven which was often filled with the delicious aroma of chicken and dumplings, warmth of a wood burning stove and love.
She enjoyed attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. She was the first one there and their biggest “little” fan.
Donna went to Coello Elementary School then to East Center, a one room schoolhouse. She graduated from the Goode-Barren Tswp HS. She also took several continuing education courses at SIU-C.
She was the district bookkeeper for Sesser-Valier School District #196 and the secretary for the superintendent for many years. She finished out her career with 30 plus years at ARDL in Mt. Vernon, IL before retiring at the age of 80.
She leaves behind to celebrate her life, her children: Deanie Markle Cockrum of Richmond, TX, Debi (Rick) Sims of Sesser, IL, Farrell Cockrum of Albuquerque, NM, Jenny (Randy) Lay of Belleville, IL, and Matthew W. (Andrea) Cockrum of Sesser, IL.
Grandchildren: James (Keira) Markle of Richmond, TX, Ricky (Natasha) Sims of Johnson City, IL, Jared (Jennifer) Markle of Clayton, CA, Jade Clark of DuQuoin, IL, Shaun (Alexis) King of Belleville, IL, Claire Sabolay of Lawrence, KS, Lilly Sabolay of Chicago, IL, and Aerin Cockrum of Sesser, IL.
Great-Grandchildren: David Sims, Thomas Overton, Debra Overton, Caleb Chapman, Miranda Chapman, Dalton DeVore, Hunter Martin, Charlotte Markle, Hunter Markle, Kane Clark, Thorsen Markle, Aayla King, and Lyanna King.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert (Ray-Bob) Cockrum, sisters Norma Jean and Betty Ann, her sons Robbie Lee Cockrum and Spencer Layne Gilbert and grandchildren Justin E. Markle and April (Niki) Sims.
As per mom’s request, there will be no formal services. There will be a celebration of life in the near future and will be announced on social media.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donna Lou Cockrum please visit our Sympathy Store.
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