Betty Wicker Cockman

Betty Jean Wicker Cockman went to her heavenly home on Monday, March 14, 2022 at the age of 85, at The Greens at Pinehurst.

Mrs. Cockman was born in Chatham County on January 19, 1937 to parents Williams Jennings Wicker, Sr., and Pauline Stinson Wicker. She was a member of Tyson's Creek Baptist Church. Betty was a graduate of Goldston High School where she loved playing basketball back in the good old days. Upon graduating from High School, in 1955, Betty moved to Washington DC where she worked with the FBI before returning home to her sweetheart and starting her career with Kellwood. Betty's athleticism as a teenager and young adult turned into an enduring stamina, which allowed her to work many hours in the yard, using her green thumb and a little magic to make everything she touched absolutely beautiful. Betty also loved decorating for every season of the year, holiday, or any special occasion, in an effort to bring happiness to all those around her. In recent years, she found great joy in decorating the lobby at Braxton manor where she enjoyed spending time with her many friends. Betty loved and cared deeply for her family and friends, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, William R. "Buddy" Cockman; her son, Larry Wayne Cockman; brother, William "Bill" Jennings Wicker, Jr.; and sister Lula Mae "Lou" W. Phillips.

She is survived by a sister, Doris W. Brady (Winfred) of Bennett; brother in law, Earl Phillips of Bear Creek; three grandchildren, Alicia Cockman of Burlington, NC Jessica Cockman and fiancé John Grimm of Elon, NC, and William "Will" Cockman and wife Anna of Humble, TX; four great grandchildren, Noah, Ada, and Trinity Jones, Bailey Willard, and Jayda Grimm; several cousins, nieces and nephews and many close and caring friends including her friends at Braxton Manor in Siler City.

Mrs. Cockman will Lie in Repose from 12:00-5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 N. Second Ave., Siler City. A graveside memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Tyson's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, 10891 Siler City Glendon Rd., Bear Creek with Andrew Needham officiating. Family will receive friends at the graveside following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gideon's International, Chatham County Camp, PO Box 895, Siler City, NC 27344.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the Cockman family.

Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com