Geraldine "Jerry" Tatum Cochrane

Geraldine “Jerry” Tatum Cochrane was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She left this world peacefully in her home surrounded by family on October 18, 2022. Preparations were being made to celebrate her birthday here on earth, when she passed and gained entry to the greatest birthday party possible. Jerry was born in Bladen County, NC on October 18, 1933. She grew up in Vicksburg Mississippi and graduated from Carr Central High in 1951. She attended Women's college, now known as UNCG in Greensboro, N.C. She graduated in 1955 with highest honors as a music major and went on to be an accomplished organist and pianist. Music was her passion. She dedicated many hours at the keyboard perfecting her talent. After college Jerry was the organist and choir director at First Friends Meeting from 1955-1956. Soon after college, she met her husband James Bryant Cochrane. They were married for 63 years. Jerry and Jim raised four daughters and enjoyed many beautiful years together. Jerry took great pride in her work as organist and choir director at Centenary United Methodist Church for over 30 years. She often referred to her choir members as family. After retirement she enjoyed volunteering at Wesley Long Hospital for many years. Jerry loved exercising and in her earlier years could often be found riding her bicycle throughout the neighborhood. She loved her UNC Tarheels and was a loyal, enthusiastic fan. Jerry, the musician, was often found sitting at her cherished Steinway enjoying the classics like Claire de Lune and her loved hymns. Jerry was a prayer warrior. She began each day with a special family prayer list mentioning each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren by name. She passed her faith on to the next generation and took great comfort knowing that all of her family were believers. Jerry is survived by her four daughters, Jean Palmerton, Julie Gilbert , Ruth Steidinger, Laura Cochrane and seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband James Bryant Cochrane and her parents Alice Leone Tatum and Lennon Ayers Tatum. Memorials may be made in Jerry’s name to Lawndale Baptist Church / Music Ministry. Jerry Cochrane’s Celebration of Life Friday, October 28 at 11:00am Lawndale Baptist Church 3505 Lawndale Drive Greensboro, NC 27408

Geraldine "Jerry" Tatum Cochrane

October 18, 1933 - October 18, 2022