AUSTIN — Mary Sue Heffner Berry Cocke
was born on October 6, 1930, in Austin, Ark. She passed away February 1, 2020, at her home in Austin. She was 89. In January of 2019 she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was told she might live another 6 to 9 months. Being the overachiever that she was she outlived the best expectations. That was a testament of her character; Mary Sue would out work just about anyone and that started from an early age. At 16 she graduated high school and was enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. While earning her degree she taught at Hickory Plains and Oak Grove Community Elementary Schools. After teaching for several years in Cabot Public Schools, Mary Sue would go on to earn a master’s degree in school administration and would become one of the first female principals in Arkansas state history. She moved to Houston, Texas, and went back to teaching while getting her real estate license, again she excelled. Mary Sue developed an entire real estate program at North Houston Community College and she would become one of the first female franchise owners in Century 21’s history. She achieved all of this and still managed to be a loving wife, daughter, mother, and grandmother. It was that love that would ultimately bring her back to her roots in the Oak Grove Community to take care of her ailing mother. During this time she took a job at Cabot High and taught the alternative school and would become known on the high school campus as the A-school lady. She was fierce. Mary Sue eventually retired from teaching but continued to help people get their GED by teaching continuing education classes at night. She was not only a teacher, but also a faithful member of her church and loved her church family. She went on several mission trips where she was able to spread the love of Jesus around the world.
Mary Sue is survived by her daughter, Paula Berry (Eric); grandchildren, James Berry (Elissa), Erica Ruelle (Jon), Emery Murray (Jessica), Evan Murray and great-grandchildren, Austin, Abby, Emma and Ella Ruelle. The family would like to especially thank Arkansas Hospice and the four caregivers that helped with the life transition. Mary Sue’s life of service is revered by the many people that knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church with burial following at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home (501) 843-5816. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.
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