Bobbie Ruth Cockrell, 88, of Bay City passed away April 25, 2024.  She was born November 1, 1935 in Cooper, TX to the late Jack James and Mandy Cauthen James.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Jewell James and Curtis James, husband David Elton Cockrell and two sons Karl Cockrell and Gregg Cockrell.

Survivors include sons John Cockrell and Matthew Cockrell & his wife Lisa; daughter in law Debbie Cockrell, sister Tona Lawhorn; grandchildren Franklin Cockrell, Benjamin Cockrell & wife Denise, Sarah Cockrell and Katie Cockrell Rhoades & husband Jonathan, great grandson Harrison Rhoades and her best friend Betty Dibbern.

Bobbie was married to David, the love of her life for 66 wonderful years. Shortly after their marriage, he enlisted in the Navy and she followed him to San Diego, California where they began their family. She always said it was a very big challenge to be so far away from family but she learned to survive and thrived. It also helped when her brother Jewel and his wife Carolyn moved nearby and the two families began raising their boys together.

After moving back to Texas, she loved to spend time with family and friends, cooking for everyone and always keeping a hot pot of coffee ready to share and visit. She joined a women's bowling league and developed many lifelong friendships with her teammates. They made several trips for bowling tournaments and toured places like Washington D.C. together, having the time of her life. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the First Baptist Church of Van Vleck.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Scott Patz officiating.  Pallbearers will be Franklin Cockrell, Benjamin Cockrell, Chad Lawhorn, Clint Lawhorn, Dan Johnson and Jonathan Rhoades.