Mary "Bernice" Cockerham

Mary “Bernice” Jester Cockerham, age 97, of Asheboro, NC, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, at the Randolph Hospice House.

Born on October 28, 1927, in Trinity, NC, she was the daughter of the late V.A. And Lizzie Jester.

Bernice graduated from Trinity High School in 1944 as valedictorian, earning the superlative “Best All Around” in her yearbook, which read, “If you are looking for a friendly, efficient, studious, and industrious girl, Bernice fits the part.” She went on to work in the textile industry for over 50 years, beginning at Bossong Hosiery and later becoming Plant Supervisor at Stedman Manufacturing.

A woman of strong faith, Bernice was deeply dedicated to her church and the people she loved. She enjoyed shopping, tending to her yard and flowers, and keeping a tidy, organized home. She could drink coffee at any hour of the day and was always dressed up, ready to greet others with warmth. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, with whom she would make up games, listen intently, and share her love. She cherished her brothers and sisters, loved her son-in-law dearly, and held her role as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother close to her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cockerham; her parents, V.A. and Lizzie Jester; her sister, Bertha Russell; and brothers, Dallas and Albert Jester.

Bernice is survived by her daughter, Lynn Tesh (Ron); grandchildren, Jennifer Richardson (Rodney) and Amanda Cromartie (Tom); great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Kiser (Kevin), Walker Hopkins (Alice), William Cromartie, and James Cromartie; great-great-grandchildren, Kinslee Kiser, Klara Kiser, and Wylder Hopkins; brother, Fred Jester; and sister, Betty Snyder.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice of Randolph.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 12:45–1:45 p.m. at the Glenn “Mac” Pugh Chapel, 437 Sunset Ave, Asheboro. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev Luke Jackson and Pastor Wilson Harries officiating. Burial will be held at Randolph Memorial Park afterwards.