Dorothy J. Cochran

Dorothy Jean Gideon Cochran passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 94. She was born in Kosse, Texas as the only child of Mozelle Malone Gideon and James Noble Gideon, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband and high school sweetheart, Oliver Thomas Cochran Sr. They were married September 2, 1950 and had 69 happily married years together. Dorothy is survived by her daughter Angela Cochran Mahmarian and her husband John; her son Oliver Thomas Cochran Jr. and his wife Denise; and by her much loved grandchildren, Oliver Thomas Cochran III and his wife, Jessica and Gt Grandson Brody; and William Maxwell Cochran and fiancé Jinny Kooken.

Dorothy lived in Kosse, Texas until WWII brought her family to Houston where her Dad would work for the Reed Roller Bit Co. She attended Edison Jr. High School and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School where she was the class beauty every year that she attended. The first year that Houston High Schools were allowed to have ROTC sponsors, the entire student body voted to have Dorothy represent their ROTC as Lieutenant Colonel. During this time she also won the “All City of Houston Award for Rifle Marksmanship” and “Outstanding Sponsor”. After graduation she worked as a secretary for American Chicle Gum Co. and later on as a purchasing agent for National Cylinder Gas Co. After she and Oliver married, and the children were born, she become a stay at home Mom. Dorothy always said her greatest accomplishment was raising her two wonderful children. She was always involved in all of their school and church activities, such as serving as PTA Director of Organization and Homeroom Mother for both children. No matter what, she always got up early to fix school lunches and get the kids to school, and had a well-balanced meal prepared for dinner every night, with a yummy dessert, of course. She really was a beauty and always dressed to perfection in the latest fashion and hairdos. Over the years Dorothy and Oliver owned several pharmacies across Houston and she did the bookkeeping at home so that she could be there for their children. They also inherited the collecting bug from their parents; cut glass, bluebonnet items, pitchers and salt and pepper shakers. They owned a farm in Fayetteville, Texas, where they raised cows and spent many enjoyable weekends with family and friends.

Dorothy was baptized as a child into the Baptist faith at Kosse Baptist church. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Nu Phi Mu. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Harris County Pharmaceutical Society where she participated in the various campaigns to make all homes safe from TB. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Nu Phi Mu. Dorothy loved to travel. In 1980 she and Oliver traveled with “People to People” to take medical supplies for the children of Chernobyl. She also had the pleasure of visiting Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Alaska, Hawaii and many other states in the USA, but her favorite places were in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. She was a huge animal lover. She owned dogs, cats, birds and even 2 chipmunks throughout her life. Her many Grand Furbabies brought her much joy throughout the years. Later in life, when she was unable to leave her home, she enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels in her backyard. She also enjoyed sitting in the front bedroom and watching neighbors walk by outside with their dogs. She especially enjoyed it when they would wave to her and the kids would stop to play with her ceramic birds under the big magnolia tree.

Family visitation will be held on July 29, 2023 from 10am to 11am in the Chapel of Angels at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. Public visitation, with a casual reception and light snacks, will be from 11am to 1pm. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted by Pastor Tammy Sharp in the Chapel of Angels at 1pm followed by a committal service at 2pm for immediate family members at Forest Park Lawndale cemetery.

Pallbearers are Oliver Cochran Jr., Oliver Cochran III, William Cochran, Dr. John Mahmarian, and Dempsey Malone Jr. Dorothy especially loved the color blue and we would love for you to wear something blue to honor her at her Celebration of Life.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Houston Methodist Hospital and Vibra Hospital. A special thanks to her loving sitter, Maria Ferman, who has given her such great care over the past few years.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests, with gratitude, that memorial contributions be made in Dorothy’s memory to the Houston Humane Society or a charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Cochran family.