Joy Cochran

Joy Adele Cochran (née Smith) Passed away after a long illness on 3 October 2010. She was 85 years old. Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Ray Cochran; her daughter, Marta Joy Cochran; her sister, Margaret Clee Martin; and, her parents, Violet Ina Smith (née Grove) and Lester Smith. She is survived by her sister, Gay Alice Miller of Athens, GA as well as her daughter, Dr. Felicia Rae Cochran of Marine on St. Croix, MN. Joy was a graduate of Indiana Central College, where she met and fell in love with her husband of 49 years (Ray). She taught at the Indiana School for the Blind and the Indianapolis Public Schools. Joy had a true passion for teaching and leaves a lasting legacy of former students. Her faith was strong and sure; she and Ray were long-time members of Broad Ripple United Methodist Church. Together, they were also past-presidents of the Riviera Club where they enjoyed ballroom dancing. Joy (who loved word puzzles) and Ray (who devoured books) set aside time every day to watch “Wheel of Fortune”, beginning with her diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 1986 until Ray’s death in 1997. Joy was an independent and resilient woman. She was a Girl Scout Leader, pianist, gardener, seamstress, and prolific letter-writer. Like her mother, Joy was a member of the Women’s Department Club and organized programs for blind women. Joy was, above all, a cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She loved her family, including her dogs (all named Spitzy or Buffy) and cats (all named Inky). She cultivated a wonderful network of friends and former students who will miss her vivacity, charm, and sense of style. A service in celebration of Joy’s life will be held at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center (Broad Ripple) on Saturday, October 9 at 3:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm. The family would like to thank Jean Ellis, Jeanne Graves, and Mary Jo Hoffmann (Joy’s “angels”) as well as the staff at Hooverwood Nursing Home for their patience, love, and compassion. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Indiana School for the Blind Children’s Foundation (7725 N. College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46240).