She was born in Mississippi in 1932, the youngest child of Ed and Jane Boucher. A farm family of little means, she and her sister worked in the fields after school. Later, her brother accidentally backed over her with the family truck severely damaging her leg. The doctor said she would probably never be able to walk on that leg again. Our mom was strong willed even then and with time, faith in God and the Grace of God she did walk and later went on to play on the girl's high school basketball team.
She then married and over the course of eight years she and our father, Donald Cockerham, had four boys. Not valuing what he had, our mom raised us with the help of sister Izona Cupp's family, part-time work, neighbors and child support of 25 cents each. Mom continued to work in sales for many years and enjoyed doing so. She later remarried twice to men who loved her and were wonderful fathers to us. She loved to crochet, gardening (both vegetables and flowers), reading about native Americans, traveling and her pets who were her babies.
She is preceded in death by husbands Tom McCandless and John W. Young Jr; Siblings Silas Boucher, Harlin Boucher, Izona Cupp, and Reather Cowden; and her oldest son David R. Cockerham and youngest Danny Maurice Cockerham.
She is survived by sons William Dean Cockerham and Donny Manfred Cockerham; grandchildren JR, Misty, Priscilla, Michael, Vanessa and Keith; great-grand children Andrew, David, Brandon and Daniel.
A visitation for Tessie will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home and Cem, 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble, TX 77338. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble, TX 77338. A committal service will occur Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble, TX 77338.
