Mary M. Eichler

Mary M. Eichler, age 98, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 20, 2024, surrounded by love and family. She was born on September 10, 1926, in Wilson County, North Carolina, to George and Beatrice Taylor Cockrell and grew up in the Rocky Mount area. She was the last survivor of ten children.
Mary met the love of her life, Orlando Eichler, while he was stationed at Camp LeJeune. They were married for 68 wonderful years until his passing in 2013. Together, they built a life in Stuttgart, Arkansas, where they raised their family for 45 years before moving to Fayetteville to be closer to some of her children and grandchildren.
A dedicated professional, Mary worked for 23 years at The Farmers and Merchants Bank in Stuttgart, where she headed the Certificate of Deposit department and earned the respect of her colleagues and customers alike.
Mary was a devout Christian and an active member of Northeast Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she modeled Christ's love through her kindness, generosity, and devotion to her family.
Her family was her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She was the proud matriarch of a large, loving family, which includes her sons, John Eichler and his wife Celestine of Fayetteville, and Stephen Eichler of Morrisville, Pennsylvania; her four grandchildren, John Eichler Jr. and his wife Rhonda, Chad Eichler, Adam Eichler and his wife Sarah, and Amy Passmore and her husband Weston; and sixteen great-grandchildren.
She lived her final three years at Katherine's Place in Fayetteville, where she was cared for with love and compassion. Her family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Katherine's Place and the dear friends Mary made there, whose companionship brightened her days.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Moore's Chapel. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Church at Oakland Zion, formerly Northeast Baptist Church, at 2578 Oakland Zion Road in Fayetteville, with burial to follow at Son's Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville.
Mary lived a life of faith, love, and service, leaving a legacy of cherished memories and a family deeply grateful for her unwavering love. She will be dearly missed.
To honor Mary's memory or leave an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.