Mrs. Cocoris  was an integral part of my life starting in my early teens when I became friends with her daughter Katina. She was like a second mother to me, and I loved her dearly. 

My condolences to John, Nick, Debbie and Katina.  You all had the most wonderful mother in the world. Thank you for sharing her with me. 

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Her great, great, great niece, Little Brenda.  Not many have a Great Great Great Aunt.

I was blessed to know Aunt Maxine her last 13 years.  I married her nephew Travis Akins and Aunt Maxine was like long time family the day I met her.  One of the most positive, fun and loving person I know.  Picture of family get together at Brenda's White's house.

I have fond memories in the 50's, riding in the backseat to the beach with Aunt Maxine blasting the radio with us all singing, "take out the papers and the trash, yakety yak, don't talk back." She was so much fun and always happy.  In my mother's later years she would ask me to read Aunt Maxines's letters over and over again. I would try to read in Aunt Maxine's wonderful southern style and my mother would laugh and laugh. 
Not a sweeter woman ever lived and I feel blessed to have called her my aunt. God bless all my cousins and your families. 

My mother was Venetia James, Uncle Perry's sister

Aunt Maxine lit up the room wherever she was! I never walked away from an encounter with her without laughing, smiling, and being filled with joy. Never in my life did I see her sad or without a word of hope to brighten one’s day.

Many years ago, Aunt Venetia once asked my Mom, “How can I compete with Maxine?!” (to gain Tia‘s affection) Maxine was so full of life and vigor.

In my younger years, we would sit on the front porch in those brown wooden rocking chairs, living room window open, and inside the record player blaring.

If Aunt Maxine wasn’t rocking on the front porch, then she was in the kitchen - all the time cooking. There was always a big jar full of sweet tea. No one made sweet tea like Aunt Maxine. 

I remember sitting outside at a picnic table with big slices of watermelon. Us cousins would sit at the table, eat watermelon and spit seeds at one another.

When we would come to Pensacola to visit in the summertime, Aunt Maxine would take me to Sunday School and Church at First Assembly on Garden Street. That was back when they did the flannel board Bible stories.

Years later, when I had children of my own, Aunt Maxine invited them to her backyard for an Easter egg hunt. She always wanted to make the children happy.

And now, as even more years have passed, it always brought me joy to spend time with Aunt Maxine and Debbie and my three grandchildren, Madison, Lucy, and Joel. It was never just a visit… it was always a new toy that they would bring to the grandchildren and then take great pleasure in watching them play. From big bubbles to huge kites to little puzzles - always something creative and fun came along with Aunt Maxine and Debbie. I will always cherish the times together and the pictures we took.

And now, Aunt Maxine, you are in the Presence of the Lord. The glorious Presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You were dearly loved and will be greatly missed until we meet again…

Love always,
Venetia (Tia) Morris
aka TiTi

OBITUARY

Florence Maxine Cocoris

January 20, 1928 – November 18, 2025

Oak Lawn Funeral Home

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