JEROME COCKRELL

Aug. 9, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Jerome Cockrell, 59, died Sunday in the Ironwood Health and Rehab. Center. Jerome "Buggs" Cockrell was a lifelong resident of South Bend, leaving only to live for a short time in Indianapolis. Buggs' expertise was landscaping. Jerome assisted his grandfather in winning several awards for one of the best-looking yards on Western Avenue in South Bend.

He attended Central High School.

Buggs loved to play Spades, and that was his favorite pastime throughout his life. Jerome acknowledged to his brother Jeff that he had confessed his faith in Christ during the early part of his illness.

Jerome was preceded in death by his mother, Henrietta Thomas, his father, Edward Cockrell, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Jerome also is survived by his soulmate, Geraltine Phillips; and his two daughters, Cynthia and Elizabeth Cockrell; extended family Tammy, Lavania, Kenny and Willie Phillips; 14 grandchildren; seven sisters, Blanche Thomas (Reed), Deborah Thomas (McFadden Anderson), Luttra Thomas (Lewis), Veronica Thomas (Stanifer), Brenda and Linda Brazier and Angela Butler (Curtis); three brothers, Steve Gavins, Michael and Jeffery Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services for Mr. Jerome Cockrell will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at Alford's Mortuary. Viewing will be held one hour prior to services in the chapel. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where bereavement messages may be e-mailed to Alfordsmortuary@comcast.net, c/o the Cockrell family.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Aug. 13, 2009.

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