Hazel Cochran

Mrs. Hazel Cochran, 89, of Newport died Thursday, February 10, 2011 in Newport. Growing up during the depression, she was denied a full education, because she worked in the cotton fields along side her brothers and father. However, this did not deter her from a self-education. She was an avid reader, and taught herself to sew as a young girl and later made her daughters clothes. Growing up in South Texas, as a young child she spoke fluent Spanish. She had a very inquisitive mind and continued to learn all her life. Hazel was a very talented woman, making quilts, afghans, and crochet for all her family and friends. A great cook, she loved cooking holiday meals for all the family and passing down her special recipes. Hazel enjoyed working crossword puzzles daily. She was an avid animal loved and never met a dog she didn't like. She enjoyed traveling and loved nature. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Newport, where she enjoyed Sunday School and church. Her strong faith in God carried her through many trials in her life. Mrs. Cochran was preceded in death by her parents, Rolly Oliver and Ila Jewel Pyle; her husband W.H. "Bill" Cochran; two brothers, Forrest Pyle and Richard Pyle; two grandchildren, Jayme Lea Koch on April 16, 2008 and Jason Todd Lewis on May 15, 2008; and one great-great granddaughter, Zoey Michelle Wood. She is survived by two daughters, Carole Wood of North Little Rock, Arkansas and Ann Lewis and husband Robert of Newport, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Jerry Wood and partner Trenell Terry of Sherwood and Wade Lewis and wife Cindy of Jonesboro; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. Funeral services are 4 p.m. Saturday at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy McCain and Ms. Pam Decker officiating. Interment will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Visitation is Saturday, 2-4 p.m. Pallbearers will be Wade Lewis, Jerry Wood, Nathan Lewis, Nicholas Lewis, John Gay, and Jason Chandler. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Newport, Open Door Community Church of Sherwood or the Humane Society. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.