Mary Elizabeth (Cockerham) Bare

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Cockerham Bare, age 75, of Millers Creek passed away peacefully Saturday, February 21, 2026. 

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Millers Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Gore and Rev. Shannon Critcher officiating. A private family burial will be held.  

Mary was born on September 22, 1950, in Wilkes County to James Robert and Mable Miller Cockerham. Throughout a life marked by faith, service, and professional dedication, Mary gave generously to both community and career. For more than twenty years, she was deeply involved with Wilkes Relay for Life, faithfully serving as an accountant and offering steady leadership and commitment to the cause. 

Professionally, Mary devoted thirty-eight years to her banking career in marketing and advertising with Northwestern, First Union, and Wachovia, where integrity, creativity, and strong relationships defined a respected career. She later continued a life of service with eight years at the Wilkes County Department of Social Services, further reflecting her heart for helping others. Faith was the cornerstone of Mary’s life. A devoted Sunday School teacher for over thirty years at Millers Creek Baptist Church, she faithfully shared wisdom, encouragement, and scripture with generations of preschool students. 

An active and cherished member of the Heart-to-Heart Sunday School Class also at Millers Creek Baptist Church, Mary built lasting friendships rooted in fellowship and love. 

Mary was an avid reader, the best gift giver, she loved an adventure and would try anything once if her grandchildren requested it. She loved her family unconditionally. 

Mary enjoyed watching Duke basketball and also attending every game/match/tournament/competition her kids and grandkids played. All their friends were always welcomed into her home and cared for over the years and she claimed them all as her own. Anyone who was privileged to have known her, knows how special she was. Mary always had a smile and a kind word, was pleasant, humble, and kind-hearted, of tremendous character, and so very proud of her family. She was simply a lovely person both inside and out. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two brothers, Jeff Cockerham and Carl Cockerham.  

She is survived by her husband, R. C. Bare of the home; two daughters, Denise Mayes (Craig) of Mooresville, Traci Pierce (Andy) of Purlear; grandchildren, Salem Mayes (Matt Griffith) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Grant Mayes (MaryKate McCoy) of Cameron, Holden Pierce, Sawyer Pierce, Roman Pierce all of Purlear; sisters, Linda Key (Roger) of Millers Creek, Marlene Cockerham of Millers Creek; brothers, Gordon Miller (Dora) of  Millers Creek, Steve Cockerham (Janet) of Millers Creek, Jerry Cockerham of Millers Creek, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 9, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, or Mountain Valley Hospice, Attn. Finance, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017. 

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com. 

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