Barbara Mae Frownfelter Cokely

The veil was parted, and our sweet Barbara Mae Cokely, 86, was greeted by her heavenly family and loved ones. She is now free from her earthly challenges of dementia over the past 4 years and is now finally at peace. 

Barbara was born and grew up in Torrance, California to Wesley Robert and Ruby Mae Frownfelter on Aug. 9, 1937. She was the only daughter and had 3 brothers, Bob, Jerry, and Carl whom she loved dearly. They were her bodyguards throughout her childhood and Barbara always knew she was protected. 

Barbara attended school at Narbonne High School in Harbor City, CA and worked as a secretary for Pacific Telephone & Telegraph in downtown LA for several years. She then met the love of her life, Officer Cokely, at the intersection of 8th & Hill, and she quickly became the most guarded pedestrian in town. Jerry often would say that he married his ‘favorite pedestrian and jaywalker.’ They were engaged at a nearby restaurant and later married on Oct. 10, 1959, at Eagle Rock Lutheran Church. 7 years later they were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple to their 2 daughters, Sandy, and Susie, for time and all eternity on Dec. 5, 1966. 

Jerry's passion and love of his ‘sweet’ autos was tested as Jerry states ‘His “sporty” 1958 MGA Ragtop Roadster was way too sporty for Barbara, and he gave way to a VW Beatle. He would do anything for his sweet Bride. 

Barbara and Jerry were married for 64 wonderful years and were devote faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Barbara was a committed disciple and served various ward and stake callings. She loved Genealogy work, RS President, and working in the library. Especially her visits from her little primary friend Libby Lee whom she loved dearly. Libby would sneak out of Primary just to visit her and would melt Sister Cokely's heart. Barbara had such a kind and caring heart for everyone, and she loved and lived for her church callings and her grandchildren. She was a wonderful seamstress and had sewn hundreds of humanitarian dolls, blankets and so much more. If you ever entered the Cokely residence, you would likely find Barbara perched behind her Bernina sewing machine or quilting on her handmade quilting frames made by her loving husband. Jerry would often say that her sewing room looked like a ‘Bernina store’. Barbara had a passion for sewing and outfitting her 2 daughters, as well as herself, with matching handmade clothes for most of their childhood. You rarely would see a picture of her and her 2 young daughters without the trio of matching homemade attire. 

Barbara also supported Jerry in all his Marine Corps League events, and she was their photographer for several years. From Toys for Tots to Veterans funerals, Barbara was always there snapping memorable photos. 

Barbara also loved to garden and took such pride in sharing her raspberries with the family, especially the raspberry picking events with all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Countless bushels of fresh fruits and veggies passed through her hands as they were picked, canned, and put up in her faithfully stocked 2-year food storage. Barbara loved her grandchildren dearly and attended every event she could, from BMX bike races, 4-H Horse Shows, Baseball games, Dance recitals, Gymnastics, Soccer games and Moto-X races. She also passed down her tradition and would sew her granddaughters' matching clothes and a dress-up wardrobe. 

Barbara and Jerry served a Nauvoo Restoration Inc. mission in 2001-2002 where Barbara worked in Land and Records and assisted in sewing the pioneer clothing for her, Jerry and many other missionaries. Jerry served as a grounds keeper and gardener and shared his green thumb talent all around the temple grounds. Barbara and Jerry shared many nights performing in plays reenacting the pioneers' lifestyles and festivities on the banks of the Mississippi River. Sandy and Susie brought their children to visit them during their mission and is a memory her daughters will never forget. 

Mom always had the saying ‘This too shall pass’ whenever we were going through hardships and this quote will forever stay with me. 

Barbara is the Mother of 2 daughters: Sandy (Brett) Jorgensen and Suzie Keller. She is the grandmother of 6 Grandchildren: Courtney (Kelsey/baby-to-be) Keller, McKenzie Keller, Casey (Amy) Jorgensen, Corey (Kira) Jorgensen, Tyler Jorgensen and Tenielle Jorgensen. She has 9 great grandchildren: Asacia Carson, Ariah Carson, Kelsey Edwards, Harlow Jorgensen, Brody Jorgensen, Rowan Jorgensen, Oakley Jorgensen, Degan Jorgensen and Aiden Jorgensen. She is proceeded in death by her parents: Wesley (Ruby) Frownfelter and 2 brothers: Jerry Frownfelter and Carl Frownfelter. 

Our family would like to thank ALL the staff at Legacy House of Logan for their incredible care and love that they gave our Mother throughout the last years of her life. Words cannot express the sincere gratitude that we have for all the aides and nurses who would love our sweet Mother aka ‘Barbie’. We want them to know that their love and care for her was the only thing that kept us comforted during her challenging times. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 11:00 am in the Wellsville Stake Center. There will be a viewing held on Friday evening from 6-8 pm at the church and on Saturday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 am. Interment at Wellsville Cemetery in Wellsville, Utah. 

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com