Zelma Lorene Cockrum, 80

Funeral services for Zelma Lorene Cockrum, 80, were held March 17, 2023, in the Clinkingbeard Chapel in  Ava with Pastor Stan Collins officiating. Burial was at Smith Chapel Cemetery in Gainesville.

Zelma died March 13, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield with her family by her side.

She was born April 27, 1942, in Ava to Russell Burl and Florence Lorene (Rowe) Miller.

She was raised in Douglas County and also raised as a Christian. 

On March 4, 1965, Zelma married Nuel Francis Cockrum in Ozark County and together were blessed with three daughters.

She retired from Rawlings and Spalding factories in Ava and Baxter Healthcare lab in Mountain Home, Arkansas. 

She enjoyed painting, creating ceramics and porcelain dolls. Zelma loved cooking, especially chicken and dumplings. She was known for raising all kinds of farm animals and loved to garden. 

Zelma’s life was taking care of her husband, Nuel, her children and all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. 

Zelma is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Sherry and Bud Hayes and Sharolette and Scott Pendergrass; six grandchildren: Jonathan, Matt, Jackie, Allison, Ashley and James; many great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; sisters, Lena Mae Hutchison and Jeannie Pierce; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a longtime special friend, Tammy Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step mother, Ruby Miller; infant sister, Reva Louise; two brothers, “Deanie” Rowe and Burl Miller; her daughter, Barbara Cockrum and her husband, Nuel.

Memorials may be made to Smith Chapel Cemetery. 

Arrangements under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423