Carmen C. Cochran, 73, of Alum Creek, went home to be with the Lord and her daughter, Kacey Estep, Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 22 years, Gary; daughter, Dacia, who embodies her mother’s strength; grandson, Travis, who was the light of her life; brother, Mark (Sue); sister, Mickey (Buel); her best friend of more than 50 years, Virginia Gillenwater; nieces and nephews, Stacy (Wayne) Bowman, Shannon Gillenwater, Shane Padilla, B.J. Gillenwater; and other family and friends who will greatly miss her.
She was preceded in death by her beautiful daughter, Kacey Estep and her parents, Bennie and Freda Padilla.
Carmen was a born-again Christian and a faithful member of Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek. She retired from Kanawha County Schools.
Carmen loved Gary deeply. He was her knight in shining armor and he treated her like a princess. He encouraged her to keep living after Kacey went to be with Jesus. Their love was beautiful and enduring. She loved Dacia fiercely and was so proud of her. She watched over her with motherly eyes, heart, and mind until the end. Travis was her absolute world. She would have breathed for him. In her eyes, he could do no wrong.
Carmen loved walking, especially with her best friend, Virginia. They walked thousands of miles together, around the loop at Midway Elementary, on Priestley Ridge, on Cobb’s Creek, carrying a stick to ward off barking dogs because Virginia’s short legs couldn’t keep up with Carmen’s. On their walks, no doubt they prayed for their family, their church, and their friends and talked about the kids in Carmen’s classes that she loved so dearly. She served faithfully in her church and loved working with the children. She was passionate about children and compassionate for them. She wanted to help them, teach them about Jesus and make their lives better. She loved the beach and sharing vacations with her family. She loved facials, pedicures, beautiful clothes, pretty lipstick, and the color mauve. Her favorite lipstick was Wine with Everything.
You never visited a home cleaner or more welcoming than Carmen’s. She washed down her walls more than most people wash dishes. She worked hard and loved hard. Carmen was loyal. She was a fighter. She was a survivor. If you knew her, you knew her strength. Most importantly, Carmen loved Jesus with her whole heart and wanted everyone she knew to love Him too.
Services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2022, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Dent officiating. Burial will follow at Lively Cemetery, Sod. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
A special thank you to Carmen’s wonderful caregivers, Sherie Stanley, Debbie Quintrell, Alice Meadows, Rena Kirby, and Lisa Allen who showed her so much love, cherished her, and kept her comfortable to the very last breath.
So many memories of Carmen from Midway Elementary to Duval HS and beyond flood my mind. Gary, my sincerest condolences to you and am so sorry I didn’t see the notice until Saturday. God speed.
So sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. We worked together at Staunton Elementary and then again at Montrose Elementary. She was a very kind lady and made delicious peanut butter blossoms. She was a true Christian and now is with her Savior.
Dacia
I’m sorry for your loss prayers for you and your family
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious Carmen. She was so pretty and sweet. We know she suffered so much before her passing; but now she is in the arms of our Lord where she has no pain, only comfort and happiness. She is now blessed to be reunited with her sweet daughter. May God Bless and comfort you as only he can do at this time.
So sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. 1-12 years of school with her at Midway and Duval. Always a great friend! Love and prayers for her family and friends!