Minnie Oleeta Cochran

Minnie Oleeta Cochran, 90, of Ellijay, passed away Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.

She was born April 16, 1935, in Gilmer County, to the late William Raymond Pritchett and Mary Weaver Pritchett. One of eight children, she was saved as a teenager at Turniptown Baptist Church, where she was a lifelong member.

She loved the Lord, her family and all those she came in contact with, making everyone feel special, loved and cared for.

She was a contented soul with the sweetest spirit, a constant encourager to all and continually grateful for everything, no matter how small.

She always had a smile to share and was a wonderful cook, known for always having biscuits for her grandchildren, whom she treasured. Her life's pleasure was being a homemaker and serving her family. She was an exceptional seamstress, and flowers were her joy.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." Oleeta's life could be summed up in Proverbs 31:10-31. She had a servant's heart and touched many lives.

She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia "Trish" and Randy Dyer, of Ellijay and Donna and Greg Easterwood, of Georgia; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Larry Tankersley, of Ellijay; grandchildren, Kristin (Jon) Baker, of Ellijay and Amanda (Nathan) McFarland, of Ellijay; great-grandchildren, Zack, Abbie, Kloe and Sophie; special caregiver, Debbie Lopez; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Jones, the Rev. Scott Chastain, the Rev. Joey Phillips and Larry Tankersley officiating. Interment followed in Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Paul Richards officiating.

Music was by Robby and Carrie Chastain.

Pallbearers were Jon Baker, Nathan McFarland, Mark Holden, Edward Lacey, Davis Lacey and Cade Evans. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Tankersley, Claude Chastain and Raymond Long.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Parkside Center and Willow Brook Hospice for the skilled nursing care shown during this time. Bernhardt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.