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JOY COCHRAN Obituary
WINTER HAVEN - Joy (Joycelyn) Rene Cochran, age 61, of Winter Haven, FL, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Lakeland Regional Health in Lakeland, FL, after a short 7-month battle with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer.
Joy was born to Cleo Virginia (Elmore) and Vance West on May 19th, 1958. Later she was adopted by William (Bill) Cochran, and called Bill her real dad. Joy is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Hoskins, husband Robert of Lakeland. Her surviving grandchildren Lorelei, Garrett (Wood) and Robert of Lakeland. She is also survived by siblings Cindy, Deana, Anne and Billy, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended relatives.
She graduated in 1976 from Winter Haven High School, and earned her Bachelor's from the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, in 1992. She worked as a news clerk and journalist for The Ledger's East Polk Bureau for over 20 years until finding her true passion of serving for 13 years as Deputy City Clerk and Records Manager for The City of Winter Haven. She loved Winter Haven, the rich history and culture of her small hometown.
Joy was well-known for her unwavering honesty, witty sarcasm and strength in the face of adversity. If you are wondering if you ever met Joy, you didn't because you definitely would remember. A common line in obituaries is 'She never met a stranger,' in Joy's case she never met a question she wouldn't ask, a challenge she couldn't face, and a boundary that couldn't be pushed. Despite her cutting remarks and iron-will, there is actual evidence she was a loving, giving and caring person. Evidence felt by the loved ones she leaves behind filled with deep sorrow and pain at her passing. She is now in God's loving hands and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved this incredible woman.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 6th, 2020 at the Florida Room in Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven with Pastor Scott Thomas presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family requested gifts be made to Joy's Journey at paypal.me/joysjourney5k and register to walk in her honor at runsignup.com/Race/FL /WinterHaven/JoysJourney5k .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOY COCHRAN
Sponsored by TheLedger.com.
4 Entries
Donna Clark
March 4, 2020
My heart goes out to you, Stephanie Hoskins, and your family. Grieving the loss of a loved is never easy. With what little time I knew of her, your mom was a wonderful person. She is going to be sorely missed!!! May God comfort you and help you find peace in your time of grief. My prayers are with you and your family.
Jacki Poole
March 4, 2020
Prayers are being sent for Stephanie Hoskins, and Joy's family and friends. Stay fierce, because you clearly know that is what she would have wanted. I had the great opportunity of knowing Joy. She was a firecracker who had so many hidden qualities. She was smart, witty, serious and funny. The bond we had was fleeting, I will miss her immensely.
Vanessa Castillo
March 3, 2020
Not a day has gone by, since last summer, that I did not think of her and miss her. The City of Winter Haven and its residents have lost one of its most dedicated and hard working public servants. She loved what she did and was great at it....
Mary Thornhill
March 3, 2020
I will miss Joy's intense curiosity and her ability to dig up information. Her sharp and quick wit where always ready to come out and play. I will miss being able to ask her to help me find information on something, knowing she would always find it. I consider Joy to be a good friend, I miss her everyday when I see her office door and remember she's not there to talk to.
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