Ida Ruth Cockrell was born on March 15, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to the proud parents
of the late Jeanette and Grady Leonard.
 
Ida attended William Penn Elementary, Loop College in Food Services and Metropolitan
Missionary Baptist Church Christian Education and graduated in the class of 1996.
Ida worked for the Board of Education for 10 years and M&M Mars Candy Co.  Later
she worked for the University of Illinois Hospital and retired after 22 years of service.
 
Ida was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Darnell L. Veal in 1961 and to this union 5
children were born: Karen, Deborah, Carol, Dietra and Darnell L. Veal Jr.  On August 4,
2001 Ida married James Cockrell.
Ida confessed a hope in Jesus Christ and became a member of St. James M.B. church
under the leadership of the late Rev. Bracey where she sang in the choir and was the
secretary for 25 years.  In 1972, she moved her membership to Christ Tabernacle M.B.
Church of Austin under the leadership of the late Rev. Milton Brunson. In January
2003, she moved her membership to Heritage International Christian church under the
leadership of Bishop Dwight Gunn.
 
Ida loved God with all her heart and His Word. Everyone knew that Psalms 91 was her
favorite scripture in the Bible.
Ida was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.
Ida leaves to mourn a devoted and loving husband James Cockrell and (3) Daughters
Karen, Carol, Dietra and (1) son Darnell L. Veal Jr. Two stepdaughters Lisa and
Shanarra and 16 grandchildren, 22 great grand children and 5 great great grand
children.  One Sister Fannie Kirby (Jerome) one Son-In-Law Jackie Brown and a host of
uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A spirit filled mother: Mother
Jones and special friends Flores, Edna and Rosemary Jackson.