Local Resident Sue Cockrell Celebrates 100th Birthday By J. Griffith 5-25-04
Sue Cockrell, a lifelong resident of Breathitt County, recently turned one-hundred years old. She was born May 22, 1904 at Quicksand, Kentucky. Sue was one of seven children born to Price and Lena Combs Bach. Brothers and sisters included: Arnold, J. Everette, Miles, Stanley, Earl, Lillie, and Elizabeth Bach.
Sue grew up in Quicksand, attended school there, graduated from high school, attended college, and went on to complete nursing training. After becoming a registered nurse, she worked for some years at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington. Later, she met and began a courtship with Ollie James Cockrell, a young lawyer in Jackson. They married and made their home on Highland Avenue in a large brick house, one door up from Ervine and Marie Turner. The couple had no children, but welcomed Ollie James’ aging father, Sam Cockrell into their home where he lived for many years.
Sue was very devoted to her husband who passed away when she was sixty. Friends and family members recall that when Sue would move, which was quiet often in later years, she would take with her his picture. It went with her to the nursing home, and even though Sue lost her eyesight during the last years of her life, when the staff moved her to another room, they were instructed to "bring Ollie".
Throughout her life, Sue has had a warm and witty personality. I had the honor of attending many DAR meetings with Sue during the 70s and 80s. An example of just one of the humorous things she would say was at the end of a rather somewhat lengthy DAR meeting we once at Duncan Tavern in Paris, Kentucky. Although the ladies had gone to great length to decorate the tables elegantly, and had put great effort into the program, we all soon tired and were ready to go home, so we made our way to the parking lot. As we neared the cars, we noticed that our regent, Josephine Bach was missing. Being the socialite in the group, she had lingered inside for last minute conversation.
"Josephine always has to stay until the last shot is fired," Sue informed us. It was a statement that turned out to be true on numerous occasions!
Her sister-in-law was not present on Friday, May 21st, when we met to celebrate Sue’s 100th birthday. Josephine has gone on to be with our Lord, as has Rome Sewell, Nell Brown, Irene Slusher, Lillian Douthitt and others in our local chapter, but their presence was felt, and the feeling of pride they generated for family, community and nation was with us.
From our old chapter, present was Anna Mae Dalton, my mother Lois Moore-Griffith, and myself. We recently merged with the Indian Mound Chapter at Salyersville, and members from this new chapter included; Mrs. Gail King, regent, and members; Shirley Spurlock, Patsy Poe and Imogene Salyer. Also with us were nurses and numerous employees of nursing home. We met in the sun room which the workers had decorated for Sue’s milestone event. A large sign marking the celebration hung from the windows which read, "HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY".
Birthday wishes go out to this very special lady, Mrs. Susan Bach-Cockrell. You have touched several generations of Breathitt Countians, and we love you!
Note: Unbeknown to the author, Mrs. Cockrell passed away while this story was being completed. At her bedside was niece, Mrs. Patricia Howard. Susan Bach-Cockrell left this world on Saturday, May 22, 2004--the day of her 100th birthday. |
