Betty Farinholt Cockrill passed away peacefully in the company of her daughters on May 22, 2018. Betty was born on August 13, 1923 in Annapolis, Maryland and grew up in Arnold, Maryland. She was the older sister of Bob Farinholt (who predeceased her) and the daughter of Gertrude Arnold Farinholt and Boyd Farinholt who was an owner and operator of Johnson Lumber Company. After graduating from Annapolis High School, she attended Sweet Briar College in Lynchburg, Virginia. During one of her summers at home, she met a young midshipman named James (Jim) Tate Cockrill while sailing on the Severn River. Betty and Jim were married following Betty’s graduation and Jim’s first deployment in April of 1945. In the eyes of their family, they truly did live happily ever after and enjoyed 62 years of marriage before Jim passed away in 2007.
Betty was admired by many for skills as a Navy wife, mother and homemaker. Her home was always ready and waiting to welcome friends and family. Her book of recipes that she has passed on has a specific chapter on cooking for groups more than 50. Her wisdom, organizational and planning skills were legendary and she dedicated years of her life not only to the United States Navy but also to the Girl Scouts, Episcopalian church, Republican Party, local schools, and, most recently, Ginger Cove.
She is dearly remembered by her daughter, Betsy Bannat, and husband, Ed Bannat, and daughter, Sally Cottingham, and husband, Sid Cottingham. Betty was known as “Nannie” to her 6 granddaughters and their families: Betty Staples (husband Judd Staples), Christy Wade (husband Zach Wade), Libby Braun (husband Geoff Braun), Carrie Pizzi (husband David Pizzi), Brooke Peak (husband Brandon Peak), Maggie Brand (husband James Brand). She was fortunate to get to know her 14 great-grandchildren: Will, Tate, Jack, Katie, Ashley Anne, Caroline, Haden, Susie, Charlie, Annie, Anna Grace, Sally, Emily, and William. Nannie made a special effort to connect with all 14 of these young people and her dear love was returned.
A memorial service will be held to honor Betty at Ginger Cove on June 30 at 11:30am. If you wish to make a gesture in memory of Betty Cockrill, please consider the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, The Ginger Cove Foundation, St. Anne’s Parish in Annapolis, or any charity of your choice.
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