Mable Bell Cockerham

She is survived by son Mike Bell and wife Ellen of Bowie, TX; daughter Donna Robinson of Austin, TX; five grandchildren, Kristi Bailey and husband Dewey; Terri Stroube and husband Rey; Ashley Caton and husband Rory; Lindsay Robinson; Philip Robinson and wife Kimberley; fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She is preceded in death by spouses Phil Bell and Jack Cockerham and son-in-law Stewart Robinson. She gave selflessly to her family and will be greatly missed by us all.

Mable was born on a farm in Choate, Texas, October 11, 1927, to Cora and Michael Seitze.

In 1946 she met a young sailor named Phil Bell, stationed in Corpus Christi, who took notice of this beautiful young woman and fell in love. They married in 1946 and welcomed their son in 1947, followed fifteen months later with the birth of a daughter. After accepting a job opportunity in Pennsylvania, Phil and Mable set about raising their young family; however, it was too far from their Texas roots, so the family returned to Houston after several years.

Mable was a modern woman who helped support the family. Bowen Oil Tools hired her as a secretary in the accounting department. She honed her secretarial skills, and presidents, Dante Siracusa and Dean Osman, elevated her to administrative assistant. In 1973, Mable became the commercial building manager for 5555 West Loop, which Mr. Osman purchased after leaving Bowen Tools.

She was also an expert dressmaker who nurtured the passion for designing and creating beautiful clothing, from children’s clothing to prom gowns. Well into her 90s, she looked smart and fashionable. Her youthfulness and pride in her appearance proved an inspiration to all who knew her.

Phil and Mable were married for over 50 years. Following his death, she was fortunate to find love again and married Jack Cockerham and moved to Sugar Land, Tx. Following his death, in 2018 Mable moved to Brookdale First Colony. She was appointed an Ambassador to make new tenants feel welcomed into the community. Mable moved to Austin in 2025 to be closer to her children. The Maravilla at the Domaine in Austin became her new home, and she instantly made new friends and won the hearts of the staff. Her family and friends admired her spirit of optimism and the will to live her life to its fullest.

May God hold her in his arms until we are reunited.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions made to

YMCA 4433 Cartwright Rd

Missouri City, TX 77459

https://www.ymca.org/donate