Mary Joan Cockman

Mary Joan Helvey Cockman (Sister Mary Robin) of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, passed into the arms of her Lord on July 31, 2021. Mary was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Leona Helvey, her husband James Cockman Sr., and her sister Joyce Graham. She leaves behind her three children, James Cockman Jr. and his wife Shelia Cockman of Pleasant Hill, Robert Cockman Sr. and his wife Amy Cockman of Belton, and Susanne Garlett and her husband Chris Garlett of Harrisonville, 10 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her for she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor, and friend.

Mary had a heart for the Lord, others, and for children in particular. She pioneered early childhood education in the Grandview school district, and continued to work with children there as a reading specialist for several years. Rather than accept the principalship offered to her by the Grandview district, Mary chose to give her knowledge and expertise to developing and directing the Ministry of Education at Trinity Bible Church Ministries, where she served as principal from August of 1976 to May 2021. Mary was active in all aspects of the church ministries, serving and singing alongside the love of her life, Pastor James D. Cockman Sr.

Mary will be remembered for her devotion to Christian education, her family, her music, and her desire to share the plan of salvation to all with whom she came in contact. We rest in the knowledge of her new life in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A visitation will be held from 10-11 AM, service 11 AM, on Saturday, August 7, at Longivew Baptist Church, 1300 SW Longview Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64081. Burial will follow at Floral Hills East Cemetery, 25203 E US Hwy 50, Lee's Summit, MO 64086.