Sue USN

Sue McGraw Cockrell, USN Ret., age 61 of Long Beach, passed away on April 8, 2017.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert McGraw.
Survivors include her adoring husband, Mike Cockrell; mother, Jimmie McGraw; father and mother in-law, J.D. and Sandra Cockrell; brother, Bob McGraw, Jr. (Cathy); and brother-in-law, Bob Cockrell (Jennifer).
Sue was a native of Savanna, GA, and lived in several places during a career in the U.S. Navy before retiring from military service at Stennis Space Center, MS. She loved the Mississippi Gulf Coast and chose to remain, eventually living here longer than any other location. She often said how lucky we were to be able to see the Gulf while running errands and commuting to work.
Painting and art was her lifelong passion. After starting in that direction in college, she was sidetracked and spent the next thirty years or so doing other things. Over a decade ago, she started back with watercolors. Later, acrylics took over. A commission from a friend wanting something specific for her new Katrina décor set her down the road that gave her great pleasure. In the years after her retirement, larger scale acrylics became her favorite. With more practice, her talent really came through. A one woman show at the USM Gulf Park Campus library in 2016 pleased her the most. Her excitement over that event and the friends that supported it was a cherished memory.
She was very proud of being a retired Navy veteran. The frequent stories about being a young naïve sailor in Panama and how much she enjoyed the tour expressed that clearly. That pride also included being able to serve until retirement although there were many obstacles.
Her post military retirement career also gave her a sense of satisfaction. After starting as a secretary, she worked her way up to become a resource analyst. She taught herself software systems and honed those skills to the point where she was asked to develop a presentation on the topic for her organization. Her determination and attention to detail only strengthened her capabilities in that function.
She had a soft spot for animals, especially cats. Affectionately known as "The Cat Whisperer", she leaves her current "fur babies": Minnie, Nikko, Boudreaux, BB, and Tippy.
Although all of these things gave her pleasure, her large group of friends and family gave her the most pleasure. Almost everyone that met her liked her. She had a way of making people feel comfortable. All of these friends: Navy friends, work friends, club friends, restaurant and bar friends, and people she just met know that and will miss her.
She was proud to be an organ donor and would encourage others to do the same.
At her request, there will not be a visitation. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd., Long Beach, served the family.
An online guestbook may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com