Naomi F. Cockrell

Naomi died peacefully at the age of 86, on the evening of January 15, 2016, surrounded by her loving daughters in San Antonio, Texas. Naomi ("Sweetie Pie", "Mama", "Mimi", "Nonie") was loved by all who knew her. She was welcomed home with the songs of angels by her loving husband of 64 years, Hiram Abiff Cockrell; her parents, Henry Thomas and Modie Alexander; her siblings: Lucille (and Jack) Gilbert, Leola (and Clarence) Vorpahl, Susan (and Edward) Toppel, H. T. Alexander, Jr., Louellen (and Hoagie) Hoagland, Robert (and Jackie) Alexander; and many dear friends. Naomi was born in San Antonio, Texas, on March 11, 1929, the sixth of seven children. She spent most of her early childhood in small South Texas towns where her parents strived to make a living during the tough "Depression" years. They moved to San Antonio during her teens where she attended Jefferson and Harlandale High Schools. Her first job at the age of 16 was as a "soda jerk" at the Woolworth Drug Store in San Antonio. After high school, Naomi married Hiram Abiff "Biff" Cockrell who had recently returned from naval service in the Pacific during World War II. They eloped on January 11, 1947, when Naomi was just 17 years old. They resided in San Antonio where they raised 3 daughters, Linda Sue, Marilou, and Judith Ann. Naomi worked as a photo developer and finisher at Studer's Photography Studios and Perfect Photo in the 1950's and '60's, where she was honored as the national employee of the month in 1969. Hiram and Naomi bought a farm in West Virginia in the 1970's, and moved there just weeks after he retired from Mobil Oil. Though they loved West Virginia, it was too far from "home" so they returned to Texas to build their house La Vernia. A few years later they returned to San Antonio where Naomi realized her talent in oil painting. They also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casinos. In 2006, they agreed to live with Marilou where they cared for her, and she cared for them. Hiram and Naomi remained devoted to each other, celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary two weeks before his death in 2011. Naomi displayed remarkable strength and courage during her many years battling Alzheimer's disease. When she was no longer able to remain at home in late 2011, she moved to Homewood Residence and later to Brookdale Patriot Heights Nursing Home. Naomi was mild-mannered and down-to-earth. She had a wonderful way of putting people at ease and making them happy. She was genuine, humble, hardworking, and generous. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a loyal friend with great integrity and honesty. Both Naomi and Hiram had kind hearts and gentle spirits, and will be greatly missed. Naomi is survived by daughters: Linda (and Tom) Mullens, Marilou Loudon, and Judith (and Douglas) Watson; grandsons: Michael Mullens, Brad Mullens, Jason (and Lindsey) VanCleave, Brian (and Kasey) VanCleave; great-grandchildren: Abigail, Zachary, Jacob, and MacKenzie; and numerous nieces and nephews.