Margaret Jo Cockrell Daughtry

Mrs. Margaret Jo Cockrell Daughtry, 81, of Athens, Georgia and formerly of Clayton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital with family at her side.

Mrs. Daughtry was born in Smithfield, North Carolina on February 1, 1944, daughter of the late Rufus Cockrell and the late Hester Collier Cockrell Hall. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Billy Irven Daughtry, Sr.; step-father, Alex Hall; brothers, Donald Cockrell and Leland Cockrell; and special grandmother, Rita “Granny” Collier, whom Margaret often spoke of with fond memories.

Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Ladonna Daughtry of Elberton, GA; grandchildren, Madeline Daughtry and Spencer Daughtry, both of Athens, Georgia; and sisters, Judy Daughtry and Marie Casey, both of North Carolina.

Margaret worked as a cosmetologist until the birth of her son, Bill. She later became the owner/operator of Clayton Trampoline Sales, a job she dearly loved and enjoyed, forging many friendships along the way. Margaret also enjoyed her work as a substitute teacher at Cleveland Elementary School in Johnston County, North Carolina. She was a member of Horne Memorial United Methodist Church in Clayton, North Carolina.

Margaret cherished her time at the beach in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, and enjoyed living there prior to moving to Athens, Georgia to be closer to her family. She loved music and she played piano throughout her life. She was an avid amateur poker player who cherished the friendships made in her poker league, and enjoyed yearly trips to Las Vegas. Above all, spending time with her family and friends was Margaret’s greatest pleasure in life. Her favorite title was “Grandmama”, and her grandchildren looked forward to spending part of their summer vacations each year in North Carolina.

Margaret’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Berry Funeral Home, 1265 Washington Highway, Elberton, Georgia. Visitation will begin at 11:00a.m. with the memorial service to follow at 12 noon. Officiating will be the Reverend Jim McCollough and her grandson, the Reverend Spencer Daughtry. Burial in the Maplewood Cemetery in Clayton, North Carolina as well as a celebration of life reception will be held at a date to be determined in 2026.

Flowers are accepted, and contributions may be made in her memory to Grace United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 956, Elberton, Georgia 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA, is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Margaret Jo Cockrell Daughtry.

Celebr