Mrs. Nellie Ruth Cochran of Centre, AL. died Friday, February 21, 2025. She lived her life following the
teachings of God’s Holy Word. 1 Corinthians 16:14: Let all that you do be done in love.
We will celebrate Nellie’s life on February 28, 2025, at Perry’s Funeral Home in Centre. The family will
receive friends at noon, and service will begin at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Cherokee County Animal Shelter.
She is survived by her husband Harlen Cochran; children Lynn Cochran (Ann) and Kay Cochran Potter (Dennis); grandchildren: Taylor Cochran (Casey), Blake Cochran (Lily), Sloan Potter (Allison), and Haylyn Ruth Kracalik (David); great grandchildren: Hunter Cochran, Anna Cochran, Alexis Potter, Camille Potter, Bella Ruth Kracalik, Samatha Kracalik, and great grandchildren by choice: Kevin Wells, Heather Wells.
Preceded in death by her parents, Mannie Paul and Gussie Weaver, step-mother Theo Weaver, and
seven loving siblings: Ellis, Cecil, Roy, Maybel, Gladys, Paul, and Randall.
She is survived by her husband Harlen Cochran; children Lynn Cochran (Ann) and Kay Cochran Potter (Dennis); grandchildren: Taylor
Cochran (Casey), Blake Cochran (Lily), Sloan Potter (Allison), and Haylyn Ruth Kracalik (David); great grandchildren: Hunter Cochran, Anna Cochran, Alexis Potter, Camille Potter, Bella Ruth Kracalik, Samatha Kracalik, and great grandchildren by choice: Kevin Wells, Heather Wells.
Born in Cherokee County on March 23, 1934, Nellie spent most of her life in her beloved hometown of
Centre. She met the love of her life, Harlen, at a Church of God Camp Meeting when they were
teenagers. They married in 1951 and would have celebrated their 74 th wedding anniversary this July.
They devoted their lives to taking care of one another. Their devotion to their children, Lynn and Kay,
was unwavering and continued throughout their adult lives.
Nellie’s school years were spent in Centre. Her career was devoted to running and managing the family
home, serving her church, and supporting her siblings, their families, and her many friends. Nellie was
well known as a welcoming and hospitable hostess. Her and Harlen’s home was always filled with
guests enjoying homemade food, especially Nellie’s famous cakes. She was generous with her time,
talents, and resources; always giving to others. She loved boldly with her whole heart. If her life
touched yours, you were forever changed.
Nellie spent her later years decorating and enjoying their lake house on Weiss Lake that Harlen built for
her. The yard and house were filled with beautiful flowers grown in her yard. She was an avid
fisherwoman who took pride in often catching more fish on the pier than others caught in boats. She
enjoyed bowling and spent many years on a senior league with friends. She loved cats. Most of all,
Nellie loved visits from her children and their families. Her greatest treasure was her grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. They were truly the sunshine of her life.
Perry Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
