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Obituary For Lillie Jean Cochran
Lillie Jean Cochran, was born to the late Rev. Richard Hughes and Mrs. Lillian Stone in Troy, Alabama. She spent her young years with her family in Thomasville, Georgia until they settled in Sarasota, Florida in the 1950s.
Lillie graduated from Booker High School in 1961, and moved to Jacksonville, Florida for junior college. She returned to the Sarasota community where she lead a vibrant career and settled down to have her own family.
Lillie retired from Verizon (formerly GTE) in the 1990s. As with many members of the Hughes family, Lillie’s retirement didn’t last long. She went on to work for AAA Auto Group South and retired in the late 2010s as a top sales associate. Lillie bore two children, Michael Gilley and Cynthia Williams. She also had several bonus children from her first marriage. Lillie was preceded in death in 1999 by her first husband, Leroy Williams. Later,
Lillie was able to reconnect with Franklin Cochran, her high school classmate. They rekindled their friendship and it turned into love. They shared 25 years together as a happy (and stylish) couple. Lillie was preceded in death by her beloved siblings Richard Hughes, Robert Hughes, Inez Hughes Lewis, and Juanita Turner.
Lillie leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Franklin; children, Michael Gilley, Cynthia Williams, Deidre Stallworth, Carmen Keaton (Leando), Shantel Woods; grandchildren Alexa Jenkins (Christopher), Serenity Peterson, Trae Gilley, Ashley Harvey, Brielle Keaton, Brianna Keaton, Treyon Keaton, Kyle Stallworth, Zathan Woods, Zane Woods; treasured brothers Eugene Hughes (Emma), and Jerome Hughes (Cheri); sister-in-law Vera Hughes; plus a host of great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 28, 2025 from 6:00pm- 8:00pm at Truvine Missionary Baptist Church located at 1947 31st St, Sarasota, FL 34234. Services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Truvine Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.
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Earl Stewart sent Serene Lily Basket for Lillie Jean Cochran - November 26, 2025
To Frank, Chris, Alexa, Cynthia, and the entire Family:
I will always have the fondest memories of Ms. Lillie whenever I was fortunate to spend time in the presence of your beautiful family. She was always stylish. I adored the way she dressed and how she exemplified the mannerisms of a true lady--which she was. I'm saddened to learn of her recent passing. I've sat right where you are sitting right now and send you immense love and prayers for comfort and consolation as you lay your beloved matriarch to eternal rest. May the memories of the times you spent together keep you in the days ahead when the visits lessen and the calls grow few. Truly to be absent in the body, the ephemeral clay house, is to be present with the Lord. She is with Him. I will miss her presence and her immaculately beautiful smile among us here. We send immeasurable love and our deepest sympathy at this time.
-Dr. Earl Stewart, Jr.
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My sincere and deepest condolences to Franklin Cochran, Cynthia Williams, and to the extended family and friends. Lillie lived next door to me for over 10+ years and was always kind, considerate, and loving towards me. We got to know each other better during Hurricane Milton. We had no power for 9 days. We lifted each other's spirits up in the heat and darkness, and somehow found a small spectrum of light to stay positive, live in the moment, and help each other out, in spite of our situation and devastation around us. I am grateful I had the privilege to have had such a beautiful and classy soul touch my heart. Thank you Lillie and RIP. Much Love, Lisa S.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
