Joyce Anne Cokely

Joyce A. Cokely, 71, died August 17, 2012, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born in Chickasha, OK, on September 23, 1940, she was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph Jacob Frey and Mary Pauline (Reed) Frey, and her husband, Gerald J. Cokely. She attended St. Joseph’s Academy and graduated from Chickasha (Oklahoma) High School in 1958. She attended Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha. She graduated summa cum laude from University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR, in 1983 with a Math degree in Secondary Education. Joyce taught math at Southside High School in Fort Smith for 10 years before retiring.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith for over 40 years. She was a charter member of the CCD program for youth religious education, and an avid member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and the church choir. Joyce was a volunteer along with Gerald at Miss Laura’s Visitor Center for over 15 years and also served on the board of the Fort Smith Frontier Fest.

Joyce is survived by children David and wife Sharon of Kansas City, MO, Joseph and wife Susan of Flowood, MS, Sarah and husband Jose Gabrielle of Kansas City, MO. Sisters Joan Neal, Janet Lohan, Paula Everett, and brother James Frey. Grandchildren Jonathan Cokely of New York City, Evan Cokely of Kansas City, MO, and Jacob Cokely of Flowood, MS. 14 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Edwards Funeral Home from 5-8pm with a service from 6-6:30pm on Tuesday, August 21. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, August 22, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fort Smith. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Siebenmorgen, Ed Newlin, Gary Ford, Mike Burdick, Mike Heathcott and Tom Kaufenburg. Honorary pallbearers will be Horace and Adrienne Marvin, Sharon Siebenmorgan, Gail Newlin, Cathey Ford, Mary Burdick, Beverly Heathcott, members of the Immaculate Conception Ladies’ Auxilary and neighbors of Melanie Place.

To place online tributes please visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs 4095 North “O” Street, Fort Smith, AR 72904. http://www.fsbgc.org/contact.htm