Gloria Kay Cockerell

Kay was born on November 9, 1938, in Cisco, Texas. She was one of four daughters born to the late Clyde Elmer Hailey and Ola Bathsheba (Whisenant) Hailey. She enjoyed a fun childhood creating special memories with her sisters and they cultivated those relationships throughout life. Kay was a proud Cisco Lobeo graduating from Cisco High School in 1964.

Kay met Edward Earl Cockerell, III of Abilene, Texas who she described as a fine and generous man. Together they created and shared a lifestyle of devotion and that love carried them through fifty-eight years of joy and happiness together. To this loving union was born Carolyn, Edward IV, and son Christopher.

In 1963 she moved to São Paulo, Brazil following her husband’s career. She loved their location as it made excursions to travel Europe accessible.

Kay and Ed eventually returned to Abilene. Ed was establishing his law practice and Kay was beginning a new journey of her own. She was always a devoted homemaker, however in 1975 she opened Prairie Star Quilt Shop. Many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed special pieces designed with love and thoughtfulness.

In 1977 Kay and Ed undertook an adventure of their lifetime by moving the historic Ruth Gage home from North 5th and Orange, in Abilene, Texas, to their property on HWY 277 South - affectionately named Rockwall Farm (or a Bunch of Oaks).

Kay and Ed enthusiastically supported the Buffalo Gap Historical Association and the Abilene Preservation League, always enjoying the company of others who supported preservation. They entertained generously in their restored home at Rockwall Farm, being an example of 1907 architectural and design.

Kay will always be remembered for her humility and selfless nature. She was sweet and kind and served as a rock for her family.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ed Cockerell, III; sisters, Margaret King, and Wanda Gray; father and mother-in-law, Edward, Jr. and Estha Neva Cockerell.

She is survived by her children, daughter Carolyn Cockerell Cox husband Larry Cox; son Eddy Cockerell IV and fiancé Brittany Smith and daughter Olivia Smith; and son Chris Cockerell and wife, Mari Hayes Cockerell, all of Abilene, TX; and her sister, Billie Tatum; grandchildren, Hailey Kay Dods, Elijah Aaron Dods, Abigayle G. K. Dods, Christian Edward Cockerell, Nicole Juliette Cockerell, Cash Robert Cockerell, Cecilia Josephine Cockerell and Edward Everett Cockerell; great-grandchild Lilly Fee Alice Kay Boske.