Shirley Stancil Cockrell
- Born: August 2, 1936
- Died: Sept. 11, 2020
- Buried: New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church, Kenly, NC
- Married: James Ronald Cockrell on March 11, 1960, in Beulah Township, Johnston, NC
Shirley Stancil Cockrell
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| Shirley's children with James Ronald Cockrell |
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| Rhonda Shiryl Cockrell Rhodes |
Shirley Stancil Cockrell and James Ronald Cockrell shared a profound connection that began in their youth and blossomed into a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, family, and community in Johnston County, North Carolina. Their marriage, beginning in 1960, was a testament to their enduring love and dedication to each other and their shared values.
James Ronald Cockrell was born in Johnston County on July 8, 1933, to the late Avery and Lenora Edwards Cockrell. He grew up alongside his brothers, Donald Cockrell and Thel Cockrell.
From an early age, Ronald and Shirley's lives were intertwined. Ronald grew up on the farm located directly across the road from Shirley's family, the Ronia and Stephen Stancil household. They both attended and graduated from Glendale High School and shared their faith from childhood, attending New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church together.
After high school, Ronald joined the United States Army, serving his country. While he was away, he and Shirley kept in touch, and their childhood friendship blossomed into a deep romance.
Upon his return, James and Shirley were united in marriage on March 11, 1960, officiated by a Justice of the Peace in Johnston County. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Rhonda Shiryl Cockrell, into their family.
Ronald initially explored various different jobs before discovering his true calling and launching the Ronald Cockrell Trucking Company in Kenly. He successfully ran this business for many years until health issues necessitated his retirement. With more time on his hands, Ronald enthusiastically pursued his hobby of growing plants, meticulously nurturing his beautiful yard for hours on end.
Both Shirley and James were deeply committed to their faith and community. They were faithful members of New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church in Kenly, where James notably served as the Sunday School superintendent.
Ronald had a remarkable reputation in the neighborhood as the man you could always count on in a time of need. He was widely known for his sweet and kind demeanor towards everyone. This was perfectly exemplified when his sister-in-law, Alice Stancil Price, broke her arm; Ronald was immediately there, ensuring she had groceries and all the assistance she needed. As Alice herself beautifully put it, "He had a heart made out of pure gold." The entire community knew they could rely on him.
James passed away at his home in Kenly on May 22, 2008, at the age of 74. He was laid to rest in the Cockrell Family Cemetery.
Shirley continued to live in Johnston County for several more years. She passed away at Parkwood Village in Wilson on September 11, 2020, at the age of 84. She is buried in the New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church cemetery, joining many members of her beloved church community.
Shirley and James are remembered for their dedication to their family, their strong faith, and their contributions to their community.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil