Rita Cockrell

Rita Hussey Cockrell, 94, of Wilson, died Monday, August 5, 2024.

A service was held for the family.

Mrs. Cockrell was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Cockrell; son, Robert Willis Cockrell; grandson, Will Cockrell; parents, Fay Lee Hussey and Marguerite Parsons Hussey; sister, Betty Hussey Liles.

She was once very active in her First Presbyterian church community and was a long-time member of the Wilson Woman’s Club. She and her husband Roger were married for 62 years after meeting on a blind date on Valentines Day in Elizabeth City. She followed him throughout his career to England (Air Force), Wilson, Raleigh, Columbus, GA, Chattanooga, TN and back to Wilson for retirement. 

Mrs. Cockrell is survived by her son, Steve Cockrell (Lynn) of Raleigh; grandchildren, Gregory Cockrell (Kara), Bradley Cockrell (Jennifer), Jennifer Marks (Daniel), Kelly Cockrell, and Sara Cockrell; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Parker Marks, Sloane, Zoey, Sydney and Nora Cockrell and niece to whom she was very close, Luann Peterson.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 3184, Wilson, NC 27895 or to a charity of one’s choice. 

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com