Betty Lou Cochran

Betty Lou Cochran, age 76, passed away on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Brookside Rehab and Nursing in Warrenton, VA. Betty was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her “super power” was her ability to connect and be friends with anyone. This was true whether she was spending time with her family, working at the CIA, owning and operating her country store in West Virginia or playing BINGO with her sisters. Betty worked in her community to help those in need cooking meals, providing clothes and helping the children with their studies or just being there to talk to. She never hesitated to help someone and will always be remembered as selfless, kind and soft-hearted. Her only son was the light of her life. She had a fierce love for her family and thought that the sun rose and set on her grandchildren. In close second to Betty’s family was her love of animals. She had an affinity with all animals but her dogs and cats over the years were always her faithful companions. Betty loved to cook and teach others her nifty kitchen tricks. She also like to garden and enjoyed canning, especially her jalapeno tomato juice. She loved throwing a good party and like to get out on the dance floor and kick up her heals. She was a good singer and music brought her great joy throughout her life; her laugh was infectious. She taught us all what true love really looks like and will be missed. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her family. Betty is beginning the next phase of her life where she no longer suffers from illness and is the perfect creation that God spoke forth from the darkness. We look forward to the day when we will be together again. Predeceased by her parents: Bascom Slemp and Callie Gussi (Sheets) Clayborn; her husband: Glen Ray Cochran and her siblings: Carolyn Gregg, Barbara Wimmer, James Robert Clayborn, Joanne Sykes, Kenneth Clayborn and Joel Clayborn. Survivors include her son: Charles Lee Tharp, Jr. and wife Melissa Anne; two grandchildren: Catherine Brenna Tharp and Charles Bascom Tharp; three brothers, Marris Clayborn, John Clayborn and his wife Lois, and Rodney Clayborn and his wife Shelly; three sisters: Debbie Ritenour and her husband Joe, Maudine Cochran and her husband Al and Linda Dober. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and other relatives. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 27, 2018 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA where a funeral service will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Billy G. Tatum. Interment will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Nokesville, VA. The family of Betty Cochran wishes to express their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being so supportive. In whichever form of support whether it was a card, comforting message, phone call, prayer, flowers or other expression of love; know that it was greatly appreciated during this time of mourning. Condolences may be sent to: www.piercefh.com

Betty Lou Cochran

July 1, 1942 - December 20, 2018