Reflections of Life

Rosa Christine Mayo Cochran was born in Cartersville, VA on October 31, 1932. She was the eldest daughter of George Mayo and Reavie Pearl Smith Mayo. As was the custom, she and her siblings, Wilson, Lillian and Bobby lived with their grandparents, Willie and Lucy Smith, while their parents worked in north Jersey. When she was of school age, she was among the group of cousins that trudged through the woods to attend Turkey Cock School.

During her third-grade year, the family moved to Paterson, NJ. In her adolescent and early teens, she formed strong bonds with the many family members who had also settled in Paterson. Early in life, she accepted Christ and was baptized. She attended Christian Missionary Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. The family resided on 211 Mill Street until the passing of their father. Henry Harvey (Pop) became their stepfather when their widowed mother remarried. The family returned to Cartersville, VA. Christine then attended and graduated from Cumberland Training School in Cumberland, VA.

Christine married Robert (Bobby) Cochran, and they were blessed with eight children, Joyce, Yvonne, Rita, Peggy, Spencer, Evelyn, David and Terri.

Always a hard worker, she helped Bobby cut pulpwood when he was shorthanded. As part of the Virginia Conservation Program, she and the children were in the woods helping plant Loblolly pines. She became a stay-at-home mom to her growing family. She was a force when it came to good manners, being respectful, setting high bars for academic achievement and religious education. One of her sayings was, "I may have a bunch of kids, but they are going to behave and have good manners."

Christine and the children attended Mount Calvary Baptist Church. She served on the Usher Board under the tutelage of Mrs. Mary Mayo. In 1966, she was elected the Assistant Church Secretary under the leadership of Rev. Ross. In 1975, she moved to New Jersey where she resided for a decade before becoming the "traveling grandmom". Christine packed up her bags and headed off to help the next generation in Pleasantville, NJ; Milwaukee, WI; Knoxville, TN; Salisbury and Shelby, NC; Pittsburgh, PA; Roswell GA; Charlotte NC; Leesburg VA and Richmond VA. In 2003, she reunited with Mount Calvary Baptist Church, becoming part of the Willing Workers Ministry, actively participating in: fashion shows, shoe rallies, and the Austin turkey shoots. She was a member of the Senior Choir. In 2016, she was recognized as Mother of the Church.

Among the family and their circle of friends, Christine was renowned for her light rolls and carrot cake. She delighted in the fellowship of family gatherings. She never had a driver's license but did get a passport. Canada, Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Kenya have all added to her life experiences. She continued her mom's legacy of growing houseplants. Among her houseplants, she was most proud of an heirloom plant from her mom, the Night Blooming Ceres, also known as Christ in the Cradle. It has been nurtured and shared among many family members. Her other enjoyments included collecting rocks, pinecones, seashells, lighthouse replicas and stuffed animals.

Dementia took away her memory of family and friends, but she still enjoyed Westerns, sitting on her porch watching birds come to the feeder, dining out and eating peppermints.

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, she peacefully departed this life surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her parents, Pearl Smith Mayo Harvey and George Mayo, stepfather, Henry Harvey; husband, Robert (Bobby) Cochran; siblings, Wilson Mayo, Bobby Mayo, Lillian Mayo Jackson; sisters-in-law, Colene Mayo, Peggy C. Smith Jackson; brother-in-law, Sgt. Hollis M. Jackson; son-in-law, Ivan Morton.

Fond memories will be cherished by children, Joyce Nelson (Kenneth), Yvonne Cochran Morton, Rita Cochran Holland, Peggy Cochran Whitehurst, R. Spencer Cochran (Candace), Evelyn Cochran (Henry Maxey), Brig. Gen. David Cochran (Grazina), Terri Cochran; 14 Grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Acknowledgements

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks for all expressions of sympathy during our time of bereavement. Special thanks to Margaret Brown, Hand 'N Heart, who has helped with her care for the past eight years. The family also thanks VCU Health at home by Bayado hospice for their conscientious service.