of Little Rock, AR
July 27, 1917 - October 4, 2015
Faith, Family and Friends defined the life of Lucille Sims Cochran, 98, who passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2015. She was born July 27, 1917 in Ashdown, Arkansas to Henry Augustus Sims and Beatrice Turner Sims.
She lived most of her life in Texarkana and was a graduate of high school there. In 1938 she married Virgil Roberson Cochran, her lifelong love, and they were together for 69 years.
They were members of 'the greatest generation,' who grew up and lived through the deprivations of the Great Depression, remained hopeful during Virgil's three years of service in the South Pacific with the Army Air Corps, and then built life anew following the war.
She was a long and active member of Beech Street First Baptist Church in Texarkana where she served for 11 years as the Pastor's secretary. In 1946 she and Virgil became the parents of their only daughter, Donna Kay Cochran McLarty. Lucille was active in Girl Scouts, PTA, and many other school and church activities. She was an exceptional mother and a role model to Donna and her friends. During her career she also served as the secretary to the Texarkana Postmaster and worked in the U.S. Forest Service.
For five years Lucille and Virgil lived in Hot Springs where they were active members of the First Baptist Church. For the past 10 years she was a resident of Parkway Village in Little Rock where she also became an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
In Texarkana she and Virgil were regular members of a couples' bridge club, and Lucille continued to enjoy bridge during her 10 years at Parkway Village which she considered a wonderful and caring retirement community.
She was devoted to her family and loved traveling to Little Rock for school and sports activities of her grandsons and great granddaughter; and loved experiencing trips to Washington, DC to join her family to visit the World War II Memorial, attend concerts at the Kennedy Center and many other special events.
Lucille lived a joyful and fulfilled life for almost a century and gave back so much love to her family, church and friends.
She is survived by her daughter, Donna, and husband Mack McLarty; grandsons, Mark Cochran McLarty and Franklin Hesterly McLarty and his wife Gabriela; great-granddaughter, Brianna Teresa McLarty; niece, Carolyn Thrash; and nephew, Bobby Brown.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Virgil; three sisters: Rags Woods and husband Millard, Virginia Brown and husband Harrold, and Beatrice Bass and husband Edwin; her brother, Henry Sims and his wife Joan; niece, Virginia Lou Mitchell ;and nephew, Stuart Sims.
The family wishes to express special thanks and deep appreciation to Val Pitts and Caregivers: Mary Hurley, Sarah Lavendusky, Judy McCarey, Elsie Moore, Cheryl Musticchi and Sherry Plain for their love, care, support and friendship.
A Little Rock visitation will be today, Wednesday, October 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501)224-8300. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock.
Burial Services will follow at 4 p.m. at the East Memorial Gardens in Texarkana, AR.
Memorials may be sent to: Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, AR 72211 or to Beech Street First Baptist Church, 601 Beech Street, Texarkana, AR 71854.
Her online guestbook may be signed at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal
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25 Condolence(s)
Jan Gates
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Donna Kay,
I'm sorry to read of your loss. Thinking of your mom and dad bring a fond smile to me as I think back to childhood. Your dad was always friendly with a warm smile on his face, and your mom had a wonderful, sweet spirit.
I remember when I was being baptized as an eight year old, and your mom was there to get me ready with help and instructions. I was happy but a little nervous, and her calm, caring and sweet manor relaxed me and made me feel comfortable.
I called her a few times when she was still in Texarkana but I always forgot to tell her about that particular memory. I'll have to tell her when we meet again at the feet of Jesus.
Praying for you,
Jan Gates
Asia Crawford
Saturday, October 10, 2015
It's always hard to lose a loved one. Revalation 21:3,4 says "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
Jeanne Tye Goesl
Thursday, October 8, 2015
I am saddened to hear about your mother. I remember her as such a lovely, gracious lady. Junie shared with me what a wonderful birthday party you had for her. May your faith and fond memories sustain you now and time heal your wounds. Ladd and I are thinking about you.
Jeanne Tye and Ladd Goesl
Jeanie Nutter
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Donna Kay and Mack,
I was so sad to hear of Lucille's death. She was such a lovely, gracious lady. She and Virgil were an example to all of us - a devoted couple to each other and their family. Gary and I are thinking of you.
Love,
Jeanie
Neal McMurry
Thursday, October 8, 2015
I remember good times at Beech Street. My father and mother were friends of Your dad and mother.
I am so sorry for your loss.
David Moore
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Donna, we have been in the national parks in southern Utah where there is no cell service. Wayne left me a voice mail about the service, but you had already talked to Mom before I could call him back. I loved your mom. She was a doll! I first met her in Texarkana when I would speak at their church. Your folks befriended me and have kept that friendship growing through the years. It was interesting to me that she became my mom's best friend in Little Rock. I am SO disappointed to miss the service, but I wanted you to know that you are in our prayers. I will miss your mom! David
Janet Huckabee
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Donna Kay and Mack,
Just want you to know that our prayers are with you during this time. There is never a good time to lose your mom, but I know that your parents are holding hands in heaven at this time. They were two of the greatest people on the earth and two of my favorites. She will be missed but she will be greatly received in heaven by Virgil. They were so very proud of you both. Mike and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and remember Lucille with nothing but the fondest of memories . Janet Huckabee
Diane Medellin Van Hook
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Donna Kaye, I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I know how close you were. My prayers are for you to feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the love and thoughts of your friends. Love,
David Simmons
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Sorry to hear the loss of your Mom. Lucille and Virgil were both dear friends of my parents
A.J. and Mary Jane Simmons of Texarkana.
Nancy and Tarleton Rutledge
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
We were so sad to hear this news! We are praying for your family! We loved Lucille!!!
With Love,
Nancy and Tarleton Rutledge
Donna and Rudy Van Hemert
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
In Him,
Donna and Rudy Van Hemert
jack williams
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jack
Doug & Mollie Barnette
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Lucille and Virgil Cochran were two of the most beautiful people we have ever known. Now, they will celebrate everyday in Heaven together.
May God comfort all of those who love her.
Doug and Mollie Barnette
Kermie Gladstone
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Donna,
I am Edna Wilson's daughter. My mother enjoyed taking care of your mother very much. She considered Mrs. Cochran a friend and enjoyed the time they spent together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ann Lorenz
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Donna, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Your parents were such lovely people and it was a pleasure to know them. God be with you and your family. I know she will be missed.
Ann Biagioli Lorenz
Rick Cook
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
My heart aches for you and your family today. I trust that you will find the strength to make it through this experience, unfortunately one we must all do at some point in our lives,. Although I never met Mrs. Cochran, she raised a lovely daughter and it feels like I've known her as well. My prayers are with you.
Sherry Missildine
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
She and Virgil will always remain dear to my heart.
dWight Curti
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Shocked to hear of aunt Lucille's death. i loved her dearly.
Greg Curtis
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Saddened to hear of Aunt Lucille's passing and yet so thankful for her life, her testimony and the legacy she leaves. She was the epitome of a southern lady and she meant a lot to us. I am so sorry I will no be able to be in Texarkana Thursday, but we pay her all the respect in the world and Donna, you and your family remain in our prayers.
Kathey Allman Rochelle
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jeanne Brown- Howard
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Donna Kay,
I am very sorry to hear about your Mom!! She was such a special lady, always so sweet, caring and she loved my Daddy as he did her! We are going to truly miss her!!! Love to you!!
Jim and Lou Ella Humphrey
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
We pause to remember the life of a dear long time friend and the family who loved her.
The Cochran family was one of the first we came to know and love when we moved to Texarkana as newlyweds in 1958. The Cochrans have always modeled the very best in life and the Christian faith. We are all made better because they lived.
May sweet memories and the love of family and friends who care bring healing and peace in the days ahead.
Bobby Brown
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Donna Kay,
Our hearts hurt for your loss! I so loved Aunt Lucille and I will truly miss her!! Love to you, Mack and the boys!!!
Linda and Ronnie Green
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Donna so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Your mother was a beautiful lady and her church loved her. Always enjoyed talking with her and she was so proud of you. Prayers are with your family.
Judy McCarey
Monday, October 5, 2015
Mrs Cochran was such a great friend, and an inspiration to many. I will miss her sweet smile, and her quick wit. I have very fond memories of her and Ms. Ruth on our Saturday shopping trips that will always bring a smile to my face.