Josephine Cochran

Josephine Cochran

Knoxville, TN

Josephine "Jo" Cochran, 91, our dear sweet mother, grandmom, great grandmom and friend, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, August 12, 2015. Jo left a legacy to inspire us to love God with all our hearts and love others as He loves us. We will miss her kind and thoughtful ways, her encouraging words and the unconditional love that she gave to everyone. Her prayers brought many of us through the peaks and valleys of life. Jo lived and loved well. Born Sept. 18, 1923, in Harlan, Kentucky, she was one of 4 children. She came to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee where she met the love of her life Litton Cochran. Litton and Jo were married 43 years and made quite a team. They worked hard to develop a new business and opened the first McDonald's restaurant in Tennessee in 1960. Together, they built the business with their children and are credited with developing the McDonald's Apple Pie in their own kitchen. They were active members of First Baptist Church, Knoxville, and served in several capacities. For many years they taught Sunday School in the college-aged department, hosted students in their home, served as deacons participated on committees, and Jo especially loved ministering to the shut ins. In addition, Litton and Jo helped found the Knoxville Ronald McDonald House in the early 80s and she remained a board member until 2010. Together they were strong UT supporters and always UT VOLS fans! They started an employee scholarship program in 1964 and awarded employees full 1-year scholarships to UT for over 35 years. They served UT in a variety of volunteer roles and were avid supporters of men's and women's sports and the UT band. Jo continued to serve the community after Litton's death in 1987. She especially loved Knoxville Area Rescue Missions, Interfaith Health Clinic, the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky (that her grandfather helped found), Patricia Neal Rehab Center and UT Medical Center (and their efforts in cancer research). Giving back to the community was especially important to both Litton and Jo. They also loved fishing and traveling with their close friends. In later years Jo and her sister-in-law Carol saw the world together and loved every minute of it. Whether she was serving Mobile Meals, a meal at church, opening her home to people or responding to needs of others, she always gave so freely. She never wanted to be the center of attention, but when she spoke you knew her word was true and people listened. We give a special thanks to Jo's faithful caregivers: Lisa Matichak, Evelyn Bailey, Rhonda Thornton and Janet Brickzen, who lovingly cared for her for 5 and 1/2 years! We also want to thank Dr. John Lacey and his nurses, Dr. Aaron Smith, Dr. Paul Hatcher, Dr. Monica Crane, and the staff at Caris Hospice - Wendy, Melissa, Denise and Amy, who faithfully cared for Jo through this difficult time of life.

Jo is preceded in death by her parents, J. A. and Dorcas Dickinson, husband Litton Cochran; son Phil, brother Jack and wife Carol; brother Don and wife Jean and brother Jim. She leaves behind her daughter Karen C Rogers (Merritt); son Tom Cochran (Nancy); daughter Joanne C Huddleston (Kirk); daughters-in-law Patty Cochran and Margie C Houston; grandchildren Rob Rogers, Clint Rogers, Tim Rogers (Erin), Eric Cochran (Emily), Ellen C Kuendig (Dave), Holly C Pace (Justin), Zach Cochran (Julie), Andy Huddleston (Kelly), and Matt Huddleston. Also, Jo leaves behind 8 great grandchildren, Bragg and McKaye Rogers, David, Merritt and Sarah Kuendig, Navy Jane Pace, Eli Cochran and Penn Huddleston; special great nephew Dakota Dickinson; sister-in-law Eleanor Dickinson and several other special relatives and friends.

The family will have a graveside service at 10:00 am followed by a celebration of life service for family and friends at First Baptist Church at 2:00 pm Saturday, August 22nd. The family will greet friends after the service. Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, 510 W. Main Street, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37902 or Ronald McDonald House, 1705 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com