Barbara Annette Cockrill

She was born on March 3, 1955, in Cartersville, Georgia and lived a life marked by faith, music, service, and love for others.

She graduated from Cartersville High School in 1973 and continued her education at Truett McConnell College, Shorter College, and Columbus State University. These years prepared her for a lifelong calling in education and music.

Annette devoted 30 years to serving as an elementary music teacher at Adairsville Elementary School. Generations of students were shaped not only by her musical instruction, but by her patience, encouragement, and genuine care. Her classroom was a place where confidence was nurtured, joy was shared, and young lives were deeply impacted.

On November 23, 1996, Annette married Dale Cockrill, and together they shared 29 years of marriage marked by devotion, faithfulness, and love. Dale was her constant support and greatest companion.

Annette was a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where she joyfully used her musical gifts as a member of the church choir and orchestra. She also served for many years as a children’s Sunday School teacher investing in young hearts and pointing them to Christ.

In January 2020, Annette was diagnosed with ALS. She faced this journey with remarkable courage, grace, and unwavering faith, continuing to reflect the strength and gentleness that defined her life.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents Arthur Webb Smith and Margaret Bagwell Smith; her in-laws Millard P. Cockrill and Evelyn Simmons Cockrill; and her brother-in-law Jerry Tapp. She is survived by her husband Dale Cockrill; her brother Ray Webb Smith, and sisters-in-law Cindy Gregory Smith and Brenda Cockrill Tapp; her beloved nephews Webb (Jenny) Smith, Will Smith, and Winston Smith, her cherished great-niece Ellie Magaret Smith; and many treasured cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank Eternal Faith Hospice and Palliative Care; Cindy Lucas, nurse; Keith Howell, Chaplin; Cassandra Swane, Social Worker; and Laura Miller with Right at Home Personal Care.

Services will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 14th preceded by visitation and welcoming of friends at noon. Interment will be held at a later date at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

Though she is deeply missed, Annette leaves behind a legacy of faith, music, service, and love. Her life was a beautiful testimony, and her song continues to echo in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church Building Fund in memory of Annette.