Ophelia Cockrell

Ophelia Rasdall Cockrell was the youngest of eight children born to Joseph and Lucy Rasdall. Born November 13, 1934, in Indianapolis, IN, Ophelia was a true west-sider and attended Mary Cable School #4 and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1952. She was a life-long member of Good Samaritan Missionary Baptist Church, and, under the pastoral direction of Rev. JT Highbaugh, she confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. Ophelia married Kenneth Cockrell and to this union, two beautiful daughters, Brenda and Tammy, were born. Ophelia was employed at Fort Benjamin Harrison Army Finance Center for 15 years, but her highest calling was to the service of her family. For many years she was a devoted caregiver for her brother, Johnny, and brother-in-law, Wilbert. She also took care of her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other children in the family. At 3140 Washington Blvd., known to everyone as The Big House, Ophelia created an atmosphere of love, stability, and safety for her entire family and anyone who found their way to her porch or kitchen table. She took great care to assure that her mother’s legacy continued under her loving watch, and the routine at The Big House remained consistent for more than 50 years: breakfast at eight, lunch at noon, dinner at four, a nighttime snack at eight, and lights out by nine. Ophelia, will be remembered for her holiday sweaters, and her ability to turn simple dish-es into savory delicacies. Ophelia’s phone conversations with her nieces could be heard from the ground floor, to the attic of The Big House. Her infections chuckle, with her shoulders bouncing up and down would light up the entire room. She will be missed for the sound of her voice calling her daughters, granddaughters, and nieces “girl”. Ophelia was modest with her words, but she meant business she would say, “Now listen” and point her finger right in your direction. Ophelia’s life lessons were always full of love, wisdom, and punctuated a reminder to place your faith in Christ. On November 4, 2021, Ophelia departed from this earthly life and left to cherish memory her daughter, Brenda Cockrell, four grandchildren; Todd Mahomes, Terrence Mahomes (Lauren), Kelsey Whack, Kolby Whack, one great-grandson, Bryce Mahomes, and a host of nieces and nephews. Her be-loved husband Kenneth Cockrell and daughter Tammy Rivers preceded her in death. Ophelia’s legacy of family, love, and faith, which she planted within all of us, will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.