Kathryn Peterson Cocke

Kathryn P. Cocke passed away on November 27th after a short illness. She was with family and her passing was peaceful. In reasonable health and with an always positive attitude, she attended a Sittercise exercise class and Happy Hour just days before passing. Her last years were made more meaningful and enjoyable by the tireless attention of her daughter-in-law Tanya Ray, who was a devoted caregiver and advocate during her many medical appointments.

Kathryn was born in Gadsen, Alabama on March 6,1937, the daughter of Dr. Joseph L. Peterson and Irma Spivey Peterson. She attended schools in Northport, Alabama, and graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Home Economics and a minor in Journalism.

Her first job was in journalism as a reporter for the Birmingham Post-Herald. After an absence from the workforce while she raised her children, she returned to work, having a long career in marketing communications at USAA and then as a copy editor at San Antonio Woman magazine. Kathryn was a life-long member of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church and attended services there weekly.

Art and travel were always interests of Kathryn’s, and she made a point to share them with her children and family. Over the years she took extensive trips throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Scandinavia, always finding time to visit local art museums and galleries as part of her sightseeing.

Kathryn is survived by her two children, Allison Lerner (Brad) of Rockville, MD, and David Cocke (Tanya Ray) of San Antonio; five grandchildren, Thomas Cocke and Marshall Cocke of San Antonio, Patton Cocke of New Orleans, Meredith Lerner (Mick Sloan) of Arlington, VA, and Ainsley Lerner of Rockville, MD, and a nephew, Eric Peterson of Woodside, NY.

Philanthropy was important to Kathryn, who quietly supported many causes and organizations throughout her life, including St. Luke’s Episcopal School, Planned Parenthood of Texas and Texas Public Radio. In addition, after she lost her sight, Owl Radio (www.owlradio.org) was a lifeline for her, enabling her to “hear” top articles from the San Antonio Express-News and stay abreast of life in the city she loved. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to any of these groups would be appreciated.

A service to remember Kathryn is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., December 30, 2024, at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke’s Lane, San Antonio, TX 78209.