Mary Lucille Cocke

Mary Lucille Cocke

“Lucille”

November 7, 1936 – June 23, 2025

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Lucille Cocke, who departed from this world on June 23, 2025, with her adoring children by her side.

Born on November 7, 1936, in Tulsa, OK, Lucille brought immense joy, love, and light into our lives. Her smile brightened the room, so much so that her granddaughter nicknamed her “Little Miss Sunshine”. Lucille was the oldest of three children born to Wilson and Lena Bates and was raised in Tulsa, OK. She attended the University of Oklahoma (OU) where she became a member of Alpha Phi Sorority, and a lifelong Sooners fan.

Lucille had a strong faith from an early age and met her future husband, Karl Cocke, at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. After they married, they relocated to the East Coast where Lucille worked for the Pentagon for a short time. They settled in Bowie in 1965. In the early 70’s, Lucille started working with the Prince Georges County Public Schools (PGCPS). She worked for PGCPS for over 30 years – during that time she climbed the secretarial ranks to end her career as an Executive Secretary in Special Education.

Lucille showed her family the true meaning of unconditional love. She always put her children first and supported them in all their endeavors. She taught Sunday School, volunteered at their school, was a Girl Scout Leader as well as a Den Mother, and attended all her children’s extracurricular activities to cheer them on.

There was nothing that provided her more joy than her grandchildren. She was a devoted grandmother and filled their childhoods with love, laughter and memories that will last forever. She had the same smile and sparkle in her eyes when she was able to hold her great grandchildren.

Lucille’s compassionate and caring nature endeared her to everyone she encountered. She was a loyal and supportive friend. She always checked in on friends, offering a prayer and a compassionate ear.

Lucille is survived by her beloved children, Leslie Ambrose and George Cooke (Michelle); her adored grandchildren, Amanda Lord (Chris), Gregory Cooke (Rachel) and Christian Cooke (Elizabeth); her cherished great grandchildren, Anna Cooke, William Cooke, and Aria Lord; her dear brothers, Russel Bates and Robert Bates; her many cherished nephews, nieces, and friends.

Lucille was preceded in death by her treasured grandson Jonathan Ambrose.

Also preceding her in death are her loving parents, Lena Bates and Wilson Bates; sisters-in-law, Joanna Bates, Mary Nelle Dannenburg and Linda Mitchell and brother-in-law Warren Dannenburg.

Lucille’s love, kindness and unwavering faith were a testament to the beautiful soul that resided within her. She was the heart of her family. She had such a strong light and emanated such love, that she brought happiness and a sense of peace to everyone she encountered. The world seems a little darker and a little colder without Little Miss Sunshine’s bright smile.

A memorial service in honor of Lucille will be held on June 30, 2025, at Beall Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her honor to a cause that was near and dear to her heart, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

https://afsp.org/

May Lucille’s memory continue to inspire us to spread some of her light by being loving and compassionate to those we meet on this journey of life.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ruth Gallatin for her excellent care and compassion. You gave us more time, and that is everything.