Marion Alice Jennings Cockrill

MARION ALICE JENNINGS COCKRILL died peacefully at her home in Little Rock, Ark., on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017. She was born May 1, 1918, in Glenmore, La., to parents Eula Jennings and David Burnett Patrick. After her mother's death, she and her younger sister went to live with beloved paternal aunt and uncle Jackie and Hugh Wallace. They lived in Dallas until Hugh Wallace was appointed head of Federal Home Loan Banks, then they moved to Little Rock. Marion attended local schools and graduated from Little Rock High School (now Central High). She attended the University of Arkansas and LRU (now UALR). She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and made her debut at Little Rock Country Club. In 1940, she married Little Rock lawyer Howard Cockrill Sr., to whom she was happily married until his death in 2000. Marion belonged to several civic groups: the 1958 group STOP, founding of the Arkansas Arts Center, volunteering for the local YWCA and Headstart. She was a member of the Little Rock Junior League, the Little Rock Garden Club, and was the oldest member of the Little Rock Country Club. Marion was a devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving on their Altar Guild, and also on the Mount Holly Cemetery Board for many years. Marion loved to read, create beautiful needlepoint, garden, play bridge, work crossword puzzles, and study interior design. She had a sharp wit and enjoyed stimulating conversation with close family members. She was always beautifully dressed, and was given the nickname "Darling" by her many friends. Marion is survived by her sister, Evelyn Rand; by children, Howard Cockrill Jr., (Catherine), Jack Cockrill, Alice Alfred (Louie), Jane Hughes (John). Grandchildren are Elizabeth Cockrill; Ashley O'Neill (Joshua); Howard G. Cockrill (Kate); Lander Claassen (Paige), Rebecca Hughes; Caitlyn Hughes; Patrick Hughes; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and grandson, John Hughes. The family of Marion Cockrill wishes to recognize Christ Church Eucharistic Minister, David Dillahunty, who provided many years of home Communion services. They also wish to thank her caregiver, Betty King, for several years of her faithful service. There will be a private memorial service for family members on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Christ Episcopal Church Chapel, officiant will be The Rev. Dr. Kate Alexander. Interment will follow at Mount Holly Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott St., Little Rock, Ark., 72201, to the Central Arkansas Library System, 100 Rock St., Little Rock, Ark., 72201 or to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, Ark., 72205, (501) 224-2200. Mrs. Cockrill's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.