March 7, 1927 — November 28, 2023
Fannie Cockfield was a gentle soul, non-judgmental to the hilt. One of her oft-repeated sayings was “People that judge don’t matter and people that matter don’t judge.” These qualities equipped her for one of her prize life roles, that of grandmother. In that role she answered enthusiastically to “Candy”, “CooCoo”, “Mamma”, “Granny”, “Queen”, and “Miss Fannie”.
She was born Fannie Elizabeth Cotton on March 7, 1927, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Edward and Elizabeth Cotton. Fannie was the fourth of five children and the last survivor. She recalled spending most of her youth playing with her youngest brother Vernon whom she had constantly to continually keep out of mischief.
She attended Southern University, joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and earned a degree in physical education. Soon after graduating she moved north to seek employment, living at first with her older brother, Anthony.
It was during this time that she met Henry W. Cockfield whom she eventually married. Their union lasted 48 years until his death. Together they raised three children: Ross Anthony, Kay Elizabeth, and Susan Lynn Mae.
Fannie’s many talents included sewing, pottery, candle-making and cooking. Her wide- ranging interests even extended to auto mechanics. She loved shoes. She never cursed, rarely had harsh words for anyone and always presented herself as someone born of royalty.
Fannie was predeceased by her husband, daughter Kay, and daughter-in-law Carolyn.
She is survived by her son Ross, and daughter Susan [Edward]; grandchildren Kianna, Major, Mone, Edward, Zahra, Erica, Toure, David, Christopher, Lisa and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family offered a special word of sincere heartfelt thanks goes to the following women who, over different periods of time, worked tirelessly to aid and assist our mother during the last years of her life. “Tina’s Angels” - Tina Minor, Donna Hill, Arthera Williams, Charlene Coleman, June Ervin, Louise Ferebee, Michelle Lawshe, LaToya Kent, Julie Jordan and Shaina Blade. “A-1 Caregivers” - Serreta Kincaid, Twyla Yancy, and Juliette Patterson. They all supplied an unmatched degree of care for our mother and became part of our family in the process.
A Celebration of Life service was held Devember 12 at South Euclid United Church of Christ, 4217 Bluestone Road [44121]. Final arrangements were entrusted to E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home.
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