Irma June Cleary Cockerham

Irma June Cleary Cockerham, 91, of La Plata, Maryland went home to be with the Lord on April 3, 2024.  She was born October 16, 1932 in Marbury, Maryland.

Irma was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Carson M. Cockerham.  She was also preceded in death by her mother Nora Wright Cleary, father James Michael Cleary, brother James (Sonny) Cleary, and sisters: Agnes Cleary Wood, Eileen Cleary Wright, and Madolyn Cleary Steinhauser.

Irma is survived by her son Gregory Carson (Delores Ann) Cockerham, daughter Deborah June (Earl Jacob) Reitz, grandchildren: Karen Michelle Reitz Wood (Landon Milstead), Steven Michael (Brittany) Reitz, Joshua Allen (Jessica) Cockerham, and great grandchildren: Makenzie Brooke Wood, Caleb Joseph Cockerham, Daisy June Reitz and Carson Robert Cockerham.  There is also a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins that she dearly loved.

Irma started her career as a telephone operator for Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Maryland, located in La Plata.  She started there during her junior year at La Plata High School, working in the evenings after school.  All the while, she excelled academically as well as in sports; she was the Captain of the La Plata High School’s Ladies Volleyball team.  She also worked as a legal secretary in a lawyer’s office in La Plata.  The majority of Irma’s career was spent working as a civilian for the Navy in the Human Resources Department at the Navy Base in Indian Head, Maryland.  

After leaving her career, she spent her time caring for family, including her mother, father, mother-in-law Irene Kline Cockerham, and husband, Carson. 

Irma grew up across from Marbury Baptist Church, attending there from an infant until she went home to Heaven – 91 years!  She enjoyed serving the Lord through those years, starting as a child helping her mother clean the church.  She served many years as a Sunday School Teacher, a Girls’ Auxiliary Leader, Youth Leader, Vacation Bible School Teacher, and on committees such as the Outreach Committee and Baptism Committee. 

Irma loved watching baseball at all levels, especially the Orioles (in person and on TV) and Blue Crabs.  She greatly enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as watching them play sports.  Irma loved her time with extended family and especially enjoyed reunions with her family and friends.

Family and friends will be received at Marbury Baptist Church on Sunday, April 14, 2024 for a time of visitation between 5-7 PM.  Visitation and a celebration of life service will be held at Marbury Baptist Church on Monday, April 15, 2024 beginning at 10 AM until time of service at 11 AM.  Interment Trinity Memorial Gardens; Waldorf, MD followed by a reception at the church fellowship hall.

Memorial donations can be made to:

Marbury Baptist Church

4670 Bicknell Road

P.O. Box 528

Marbury, MD 20658

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