Billie Ruth Cocke

Mrs. “Billie” Ruth Cocke (b. Oct 17, 1930) of Memphis, TN passed away peacefully on May 30th, 2026, at the age of 95, joining her beloved husband L. Yves (d. 2003) and son N. Earl (d. 2015). A staple of Gibson’s Donuts in East Memphis, she worked there for nearly 40 years and retired at the age of 88. Billie was immeasurably kind, strong, and enduring—a notable matriarch of the Cocke family. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Warman (Bill), her granddaughter, Kristina Cocke, her step-grandson Blake Warman (Casey) and many wonderful cousins. She is also survived by her best friend Martha Pallesen and sister/cousin Betty Sanders who she talked to daily.

Mom lived a life well lived. She really enjoyed her time spent in the Philippines, where she lived the good life (bridge, bowling, swimming, entertaining at the beach house, etc). She traveled around the world at least four times, visiting friends in Memphis, Hawaii, Canada, Japan, France, Norway, Denmark and many other countries.

She really enjoyed all of the regulars and people she met at Gibsons Donuts. Some of them even became lifelong friends!

Mom’s biggest love was for her family and friends. She spoiled Dad, Earl and I, but not as much as she spoiled her grandchild Kristina whose pictures were everywhere! We will carry this love with us forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, Tennessee, on June 4, 2026, at 12:30 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, Tennessee, on June 4, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis, Tennessee, on June 4, 2026, at 3:00 pm, and the final resting place is Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange, Memphis.