Cheryl Cockerel

Cheryl Ann Sims-Cockerel, 54, returned to her heavenly home on April 18, 2016 after a valiant battle with Cancer. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. Cheryl was born to Reverend Claude J. Sims and Shirley Ann Bellew-Sims, Pastors, Evangelists, and Business Owners, in Lafayette, Indiana on December 16, 1961. Upon her arrival she fondly became known as Sissy by her two older brothers, Sidney and Jay, and a few years later by her younger brother Joel and sister Michelle. Eventually she became lovingly known and called “Sis” by family and friends alike. On May 16, 1987 she gave birth to her beautiful daughter Ivy Lynn Cotten and on April 26, 1989 she gave birth to her son Cody W. Cotten. Her children were the focus and highlight of her life. Her ex-husband, John Cotten, has remained a constant in the lives of her children and grandchildren, for that she was always thankful. Cheryl graduated Fort Walton Beach High School in 1980. She worked alongside her Dad, brothers and sister in the family Drywall Business as a finisher and bookkeeper. After her two children were born, she went to work with the upstart of a new company, Cass Data and Mailing, where she worked 20 plus years, and where she made many friends. She began a new career in recent years at Baptist Hospital as a Phlebotomist. It was as fast paced as she was. Sis was a go getter; nothing could slow her down, not even her eight grandchildren. On the side she was a cake baker, an artist, and she loved to prepare frozen meals and deliver them to family members and those in need. Sis was a giver and she loved to sing Country Gospel and had a God given talent to play the piano as a Service to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She attended and supported Mary Esther Church of God. Her last official service she attended was on March 27, 2016, Easter Sunday. It had been her goal that she had set for herself and she met that goal with great joy and enthusiasm! Sis was blessed with a large and loving family. Not only was she raised in a Christian home with godly parents, she had three brothers and a sister all of whom loved her dearly and shared her deep faith in Our Creator. Sis had many Aunts, Uncles and cousins whom she loved very much. She is dearly missed by her loving parents along with all her loved ones, all whom celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Cheryl is survived by her daughter Ivy Fields and her husband Dan Fields and their children; Johnny, Levi Cole, Michael, Sarah, and Rebecca, her son Cody Cotten and his wife Catherine and their child Lucas Cotten. Her husband Mike Cockerel and step-daughter Andrea and her children Kane and Kai. Parents Rev. Claude and Shirley Sims, brothers; Sidney Sims and his wife Ann, Jay Sims and his wife Guy, Joel Sims and his wife Susan, and sister Michelle Jackson and her husband Scott. Nieces and Nephews; Wendy Mills and her husband Paul, Patrick Sims and his wife Melissa, Melanie Sims, Scott Sims, Josh Sims and his wife Suzanna, Andrew Jackson, Christopher Sims, Becka Simmons and her husband Chris, Kevin Sims and his wife Heather, Joseph Sims, Melissa Sims, Zoi Mills and many Great Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by her baby sister, Melissa Diane Sims and great-nephew baby Jeremiah Sims. A service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday April 20, 2016 at the Mary Esther Church of God, 140 Green Dr., Mary Esther, FL. A visitation with the family will begin one hour prior to the service. Flowers may be sent to the church starting the day before the service. Internment will take place at Rose Lawn Cemetery, 2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL following the service.

Visitation

Visitation

Mary Esther Church of God
140 Green Drive
Mary Esther, FL  32569
Friday, April 22, 2016
10:00 AM

Service

Funeral Service

Mary Esther Church of God
140 Green Drive
Mary Esther, FL  32569
Friday, April 22, 2016
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Burial

Rose Lawn Cemetery
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563