With profound sadness, yet with the confident hope found in Jesus Christ, we announce that Velva Jerdene Cockrel, affectionately known as "Jerri," entered the presence of her Lord on July 23, 2026.

Jerri was born on September 20, 1940, to Carl "Shorty" Cockrel and Freda (Jackson) Cockrel at home in Caneyville, Kentucky. From an early age, those who knew Jerri recognized the quiet strength that would come to define her life.

Jerri lived a life marked by hard work, generosity, and creativity, leaving a beautiful, lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Jerri beautifully reflected unwavering faith, genuine kindness, joyful laughter, and humble compassion. She possessed the rare ability to make every person she encountered feel heard, often sharing a cup of coffee with them while she listened intently. Jerri naturally pointed others toward the love of Christ without ever seeking recognition for herself.

A proud graduate of Caneyville High School, Jerri went on to earn degrees from Western Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky. As the first member of her family to graduate from college, she broke new ground with determination and courage, opening doors for future generations. She believed deeply in the transformative power of education and devoted much of her life to ensuring others had the same opportunities. Through the scholarships she established and her generous support of education, her belief in learning will continue to change lives for years to come.

Jerri devoted her professional life to serving the people of Kentucky through the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Her work focused on strengthening families, empowering communities, and advocating for consumer and family well-being. She developed innovative leadership programs, encouraged civic engagement, and helped families navigate issues affecting their everyday lives. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, she was honored as the Kentucky Home Economics Association's Outstanding Home Economist of the Year in 1992, an award that reflected both her leadership and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

To know Jerri was to know someone whose greatest fulfillment was found not in recognition or achievement, but in her loving family, serving others, and faithfully following Christ. Above every accomplishment, she treasured her family, and although she was not a mother to children of her own, she served as an inspirational matriarch to many nieces and nephews.

Jerri was gifted in so many ways. She found joy in knitting, baking, and gardening, pouring love into everything she created. Whether she was carefully stitching a handmade gift, knitting something to keep a loved one warm, baking treats that gathered family and friends around the table, or tending to her garden, she had a special way of making ordinary moments feel extraordinary. Her creativity reflected the care and generosity that defined her life.

Jerri’s faith was never something she merely professed. It was the way she lived and loved. As a member of New Hope Church in Caneyville, KY, she faithfully served her church family with the same humility and generosity that characterized every aspect of her life. Whether caring for her family, encouraging a friend, offering hospitality, or quietly meeting the needs of others, she demonstrated that Christ’s love is most powerfully expressed through humble service. She was often among the first to volunteer, making dishes for church homecomings, particularly known for her cakes and her mouthwatering, award-winning mashed potatoes. Every dish was filled with love, warmth, and butter.

She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, steadfast love, joyful laughter, humble service, and complete devotion to her family and to Jesus Christ. While our hearts grieve the loss of her earthly presence, we grieve with hope, holding firmly to the promise of our Savior.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live.”

Because of Jerri’s faith in Christ, Jerri’s life will continue to remind us that the greatest legacy a person can leave is not found in titles, accomplishments, or possessions, but in a life faithfully lived for God and lovingly shared with others. Jerri leaves behind a legacy woven from compassion, hard work, and hope. The scholarships she established, the families she served, the students she inspired, and the countless lives she touched stand as lasting reminders of a life lived with purpose. Though she will be deeply missed, her example will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday (July 31, 2026) at 11:00 a.m. at the Dermitt Funeral Home. Bro. Davy Norris, Bro. Brian Allen, and Bro. Mark Stevenson will be officiating. Burial will be in the New Hope Cemetery on HWY 79.

Visitation will be on Thursday, beginning at 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Friday beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of service.