Matilda Elizabeth Hudnall Cockrell Obituary (2020)

Matilda Elizabeth Hudnall Cockrell died peacefully October 14, 2020, age 96. She was born in 1924 to Stanley and Estelle Hudnall in Birmingham, Alabama. She grew up in Powderly, a suburb of Birmingham, where she met her beloved husband, Charles Alfred Cockrell, in grade school, marrying soon after graduating high school. Matilda and Charles reared four children in Huntsville, Alabama, where she lived until after his untimely death in 2001. When her youngest child, Nancy, was educated, she went to college. She graduated with a B.S. in nursing; she worked as a registered nurse for 20 plus years, attaining the level of head nurse of the cardiac care unit at Huntsville Hospital. She and Charles were founding members of Trinity Methodist Church in Huntsville. In 2002 Matilda moved to Gainesville to be closer to family. She became a member of Trinity Methodist Church of Gainesville and made many friends there. She continued her sewing, producing quilts and blankets for infants, among other things. She was an avid reader of books, and her much beloved morning newspaper. Matilda is survived by her four children, Mitzi Austin (spouse, Wayne Smith), Patricia Haynie (spouse George Haynie), Charles Alfred Cockrell, Jr., known as Al (spouse Nancy Shepard) and Nancy Bader (spouse Don Johnston). She is also survived by grandchildren, Lee Austin, Victor Austin, Charles Barrett, Ashley Haynie, and David Bader and great grandchildren, Reece and Matilda Austin, Carter, Collins and Cooper Barrett, and the spouses of the grandchildren. Matilda and Charles started a tradition of a family reunion at St Augustine Beach in the 1970's, which tradition has continued. The family, or those who can attend (and everyone makes an effort), enjoy a week or two together in July or August. Her last time at the beach was to celebrate her 96th birthday on July 19. Several family members could not attend because of this year's virus impact, but called or Skyped to join the celebration. The family is having a private service but may plan a celebration of life later. In lieu of flowers, donations to Haven Hospice, or to Trinity Methodist Church, in remembrance. Arrangements are in the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 S. Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361 www.milamfh.com