Dorothy Joanne Cockrell, 90, of Vandalia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 9, 2026, at the Baptist Home of Tri-County.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home. Rev. Dustin Holt will officiate. Burial will follow at Vandalia Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Joanne was born on September 30, 1935, in Mexico, Missouri, the daughter of John Henry Williams and Dorothy Rodgers Williams.

She was united in marriage to William Cockrell, who survives.

Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Family was the center of her life, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved.

She is survived by her husband, William Cockrell; her children, Aaron Cockrell and wife, Cleo, of Warrenton, Missouri; Troy Cockrell and wife, Michelle, of Troy, Missouri; Michael Brown of St. Louis, Missouri; Janyce Holt and husband, Terry, of Vandalia, Missouri; Keyna Hartsell, of Vandalia, Missouri; Robyn Cockrell of Ashland, Missouri; and Wendy Williams and husband, Rev. Garland Williams, of Fairview Heights, Illinois.

She is also survived by sixteen grandchildren: Terry Holt Jr.; Rev. Dustin Holt; Shamene Holt; Minister Teresa Campbell; Summer Nunnelley; Erin Cockrell; Kellen Cockrell; Jermaine Davis; Rev. Geriod Davis; Minister Whitney Davis; Kambrin Hartsell; Kambrie Burton; Courtney Gully; DeLauren Williams; Jordan Cockrell; and Ryan Cockrell. In addition, she leaves behind forty-one great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. And a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Marion Williams; two sisters, Marilyn Williams and Bertha Sue Shelton; and three grandchildren, Kendal Cockrell, Aliyah Williams, Precious Wheeler. and one son in law Norman Hartsell

For many years, Joanne worked at the Bobbie Brooks Garment Factory. She later served at Van-Far High School and Playcare, where she enjoyed caring for and serving others.

Joanne found joy in life's simple pleasures. On Sundays, she could often be found frying chicken for family gatherings, creating cherished memories around the table. She enjoyed shopping, especially on QVC and loved collecting trinkets. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family and celebrating the blessings of each generation.

A faithful member of Second Christian Church in Vandalia, Joanne's faith guided her throughout her life and was reflected in her kindness, generosity, and love for others.

Pallbearers will be Terry Holt Jr., Michael Brown, Ryan Cockrell, Jordan Cockrell, Ayden Holt, and Kellen Cockrell.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rev. Dustin Holt, Rev. Geriod Davis, Jermaine Davis, Doug Shelton, Michael Shelton, Kambrin Hartsell, and Isaiah Cockrell.

Memorial contributions may be made to SMBC outreach, in care of Waters Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared with the family, and a video tribute may be viewed on Joanne's memorial page at Waters Funeral Home.