Abigail “Gail” Helen (Cochran) Willsey, 95, was called home by the Lord on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Gail was born April 2, 1927 at home in the Barber Community in Logan County. She was the 10th of 12 children born to Charles Fleet Cochran and Minnie Pearl (Peoples) Cochran.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters, husband, Ishmael Willsey and oldest daughter, Reita King. Gail is survived by her daughters, Kay Nichols and husband, Dr. Nick Nichols and Kathy Jones and husband, Mac; son-in-law, Danny King; her beloved grandchildren, Justin King, step-grandson, Nick Nichols, Jr., Lori Pipkins (Andy), Dorie Littlefield (Jeff); great grandchildren, Macae Pipkins, Parker Littlefield and Jones Paul Littlefield; her loving baby sister, Pat Wynn and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
Gail was blessed to have a heart full of love that endured for a lifetime. As a teenager she traveled to California to live with her sister and family. There she worked in an aircraft factory, doing her part in the World War II war effort. Her favorite pastime was writing letters to her “sweetheart” Ishmael that was on a ship in the South Pacific. In the spring of 1946, she and Ishmael were married in Greenwood, walking hand in hand until Ishmael’s death in 2014, living and loving each other for 68 years.
Gail first went back to work after all the girls were in school. In the 1960’s working as a clerk at Otasco in Greenwood, then at Riverside Furniture, eventually retiring from there.
Gail came to know the Lord at a brush arbor meeting in Pine Log. In 1954 she was baptized and became a member of First Baptist Church in Greenwood, where she remained active in the church until her health prevented it. She worked in teaching many children in Sunday School, sang in the Golden Tone Choir and was a member of the Senior Saints Life Group.
The family would like to thank each and every one at Pink Bud Nursing Home that made her last years joyful and respectful. Also, Dr. Aaron White for his wonderful care.
Viewing will be 1 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 20 at McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood. The family will have a private graveside service at Dawson Cemetery.
