Susan Marland Cochran

Mrs. Susan Marland Cochran passed away on July 14, 2011 at her residence. Memorial services will be held at St. Luke United Methodist Church at 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 17, 2011 with Rev. Helen Berenthien and Dr. Jimmy Elder officiating, according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd., Columbus, GA. The family will receive friends in the church at the conclusion of the services.

Susan Marland Cochran was born October 6,1945, in Chicago. Her parents were the late Dr. Thomas and Grace Marland of Jackson, MS. Susan was a graduate of Murrah High School in Jackson and Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University in New Orleans. She received a master's degree in English Literature from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. After meeting her future husband, Dr. Thomas A. Cochran, Jr., in Dallas, they completed his residency in Salt Lake City before moving to Columbus in 1978.

Susan had a profound impact on our community through her engagement in numerous organizations. She served as administrator and first staff member of the Mildred Miller Fort Foundation. She was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and also contributed lectures to adult study classes at First Presbyterian Church. Susan served on the boards of the Columbus Museum, the Historic Columbus Foundation, the Human Experience Theater and the Columbus Symphony. She was instrumental in reestablishing the Columbus Symphony Women's Association, now the CSVA.

She was a past director of the Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens and through this and many other endeavors helped to raise funds for the arts. She was a member of the Junto Study Club and three garden clubs: Lemon Tree, Sprig and Dig and Lyn Haven. She and her husband, Butch, shared a passion for the Columbus Cottonmouths hockey team and for many years sponsored a team member.

Susan was greatly respected by all who knew her for her keen intellect and wit. She was an enthusiast and scholar of Mississippi author William Faulkner and attended the Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference in Oxford, MS, yearly. Always known as a gracious hostess, she gave a memorable party at her home to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Faulkner's birth in 1997. Susan was an avid reader, adventurous traveler, and adept at both gardening and bridge. Her wide circle of caring friends will miss her greatly. Susan was a loving and devoted wife and mother.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Thomas Andrew Cochran, Jr., her daughter Kendall Lee Cochran of Atlanta, sons Christopher Marland Cochran of Atlanta and Kevin MacKenzie Cochran and his wife Julie of Denver, CO. Susan also is survived by her brother, Thomas Owen Marland, his wife Linda of Torrance, CA, and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Susan M. Cochran Fund at the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, 1340 13th St., Columbus, GA 31901, or to a charity of your choice.

To sign the online guest register please visit www.shcolumbus.com.