Tina Duncan Cockrell

Ernestine (Tina) Cockrell, 67, went to be with the Lord on August 26, 2022. She was born September 20, 1954 at DCH in Tuscaloosa, AL and lived in Summiton, AL. She lost her father when she was seven years old and grew up in Forest Lake in Tuscaloosa, AL with her mother and six siblings. She attended Tuscaloosa High School (now Central High). She worked for SCI Technology in Huntsville, AL, the University of Alabama, as well as various other jobs over the years including her volunteer work at the Christian Ministry Center. Tina was passionate about her love for God and for showing His love to others. She worked in the nursery at Hopewell Baptist Church and was a member and dedicated choir member for many years, as well as attending Northwood Hills Baptist Church and devoting her service to both churches over the years. She taught children in Vacation Bible School and planned memorable crafts and fun ways for them to learn about bible stories.

Tina is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Gary Stephen Cockrell of Northport, AL; her son, Ken Cockrell (Mitzi); her daughter, Kellie Selman (Donny); her grandchildren, Elam, Athen, Zander, and Nate; her brothers Claudy Duncan, Tandy Jackson (Jack) Duncan; sister, Tempy Thrower; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Tandy Karl Duncan; mother, Lennie Bell Duncan; brothers, Stanley Duncan and James Duncan; sister, Jewel Gay Spiegner.

In lieu of flowers please make your love contributions in Tina’s memory to the National Alliance on Mental Health—Alabama (https://namialabama.org/get-involved/donate/)

Stories, random thoughts, etc.

• (Told to Uncle Jack) “When Tina started dating Steve, she came home and told her mother “I hope that man loves me enough to marry me. He is the nicest man I’ve ever met. He’s country like we are and he likes fishing and things like that. I got to have this man”.

• Tina loved to exercise growing up in any form or fashion. After school every day she would run to the high school or run on the track for an hour or more.

• Tina wanted the best for her children and told family members her dream was for her children to go to college. She also encouraged and supported her children in life with various sports, hobbies and endeavors.

• Some of the happiest memories of her children, when they were growing up, were when Tina would put on music and dance with them on weekend evenings.

• She always made potato salad, deviled eggs, and sweet tea at any gathering and she was always making peanut brittle and other goodies to give to people, especially around the holidays.

• She adored Christmas and made crafts for everyone like light balls and Christmas pins. And when she did, everyone received one. She made traditions with the family of decorating the tree, and always waited for her grandchildren to come over to help.

• She loved children, especially her four grandchildren. She would do anything for them. She also wanted them to all know God.

• Tina loved camping with the family and would spend much time pre-planning. She loved cooking eggs and bacon on an iron skillet over the fire in the morning and making smores at night.

• She loved gardening, camping, the outdoors, and the beach.

• She had a beautiful smile full of life and her inside and outside beauty shined on everyone.

• Demonstrating Christian ministry, by her actions, to her young son and daughter, every Sunday she picked up two young children who lived in an old school bus near the church and took them to the services.

• Though a gentle person, Tina was firm and defensive when the situation called for it. Her younger brother, Jack, once got into a scuffle with an older and bigger kid while walking home after school. Tina came along and roughed-up the older kid, and he never messed with Jack again.

• While working in the University of Alabama Athletic Department she established a rapport with Coach Gene Stallings. One day she took the coach a red and white football and asked if he would sign it. He took it and told her he would get around to it. A week later he found her in the building and gave her the ball back. It had not only his autograph but that of every starting player on the 1992 National Championship team.

• One of Tina’s most endearing qualities was her laugh. It was so distinctive it could be recognized in a crowded room. Her laugh was jubilant, joyful and fun.

Tina’s health gradually deteriorated over her final ten years, but Steve was always beside her, never failing, never giving up hope. His faith, and the prayers and care of his many Christian friends, sustained him during these painful and stressful years. Praise to God that Tina is now fully at rest, fully restored and pleasing her Lord with her delightful, joyful laugh.