Maxine Murphy Cockrell

Maxine Murphy Cockrell, 63, of Buffalo Gap, Texas, passed away on September 3, 2014 in Abilene, Texas from injuries suffered in an automobile accident on that date. A celebration of Maxine’s life will be held at the Perini Ranch Steakhouse on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 11:00 am. All friends and family of Maxine and Gerry are invited to attend. Maxine was born on August 7, 1951 in Clovis, New Mexico to Glyn Ed Murphy and Kathryn Fletcher Murphy. Maxine, with her parents, moved to Breckenridge, Texas at a young age. Maxine graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1969. She worked for R. E. Dye Manufacturing Company for several years after graduating high school. She later moved to Abilene, Texas. Maxine married Gerry Cockrell in Abilene, Texas on November 12, 1983. She attended McMurry University and graduated with honors in 1988. Maxine then worked for the West Texas Girl Scout Council for several years after which she opened and operated her own restaurant, Miss Scarlet’s Garden. After leaving her restaurant business, she worked as a counselor and life coach emphasizing positive thinking. Maxine retired in 2012. Maxine was preceded in death by her father, Glyn Ed Murphy and by her brother in law, Frank Austin Cockrell. Maxine is survived by her husband, Gerry Cockrell, of Buffalo Gap, Texas; her step children Leigh Cockrell Walker of Abilene, Texas; David Cockrell and wife Staci and sons Christian and Garrison of Austin, Texas; Kristin Cockrell Daniel and husband Chad and sons Chandler and Connor of Houston, Texas; and Jay Cockrell and wife Shea and sons Rowan and Carter of San Marcos, Texas. She is also survived by her mother, Kathryn Fletcher Murphy of Abilene, Texas, and her brother Robert Louis Murphy and wife Desley and children Mathew, Lynzey Murphy, Mareesha Murphy, and Louis of the Blue Mountains, Sydney, Australia. Maxine is also survived by her mother in law and father in law Martha Austin Cockrell Gafford and George Gafford of LaJolla, California; sister in law Jana Cockrell Bartlit and husband Fred of Castle Rock, Colorado; and sister in law Katherine Cockrell Bolinger and husband Tim of Scottsdale, Arizona. She is survived by her longtime best friend Caroline Covington of Ft. Worth, Texas as well as by many family members and other special friends. Sincere thanks are extended to all of the friends and family of Maxine and Gerry for their assistance and support in this difficult time. Maxine was a very special person who contributed so much to the Abilene and Buffalo Gap communities over the years and sought no special recognition for her efforts. She touched so many people’s lives in such a remarkable way. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Friends of the Library, 202 Cedar St., Abilene, Texas 79601. The family and friends of Maxine and Gerry thank all of the personnel who gave their utmost to save Maxine’s life, including Dr. Leigh Taliaferro, Dr. Christopher S. Eddelman, the ER and ICU staffs at Hendrick Medical Center, ECCA VFD, and the South Taylor Emergency Medical Service. Arrangements are being made by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas.