Cora Lee Cockfield

Cora Lee Cockfield, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished friend, transitioned from this life on July 3, 2026, at 4:38 PM in Peoria, Illinois, surrounded by the warmth, comfort, and presence of her loving family. Cora entered the world on February 13, 1952, born to Mr. George Howard Jr. and Evelyn Louise Jones. Following the early passing of her mother, her father remarried Mrs. Dorothy Howard, who lovingly raised Cora into the remarkable woman she became and who continues to reside in Peoria, IL. A lifelong resident of Peoria, Cora attended Hines Grade School and went on to graduate from Woodruff High School with the proud Class of 1970. On October 3, 1970, she was united in holy matrimony with Leslie Cockfield Sr. of Peoria, and together they blessed the world with two children, Leslie Jr. and Sonya. Cora’s heart and home were always open; alongside her biological children, she opened her arms to raise and adopt three more children: Gary, Tannessia, and Frankie. She was later preceded in death by her second husband, Sonny Robinson, on November 15, 2019. A dedicated and hardworking woman, Cora brought a standard of excellence to several local employers over the years, including Selvin’s Container Company, Highview Nursing Home, Caterpillar Tractor Co., and Methodist Hospital. Cora’s faith was the true cornerstone of her life. For many years, she was a deeply dedicated member of Friendship Baptist Church, where she served her church community with boundless joy and tireless dedication. She lent her time to the Kitchen Committee and the Food Pantry, and she proudly served as the Assistant President of the Mission Department. But it was in the choir where Cora’s spirit truly soared; blessed with a beautiful, gifted voice, she loved to sing praises and uplift everyone who heard her. Cora later joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where her son-in-love, Patrick Randall, served as her Pastor, and her daughter, Sonya, served as First Lady. Cora remained a faithful, active, and devoted member there until God called her home. When she wasn't serving at church, you could often find her hitting the lanes and sharing laughs with the Landmark Bowling League. To know Cora was to love her; she possessed a radiant, beautiful smile and a warm, compassionate heart that left a lasting, beautiful impression on everyone she met. Cora was reunited in eternal rest with: Her Parents: Mr. George Howard Jr. and Evelyn Louise Jones Her Stepmother (who raised her): Mrs. Dorothy Howard (Note: Listed in text as surviving, please verify if she belongs here or below) Her Sisters: Ethel May Smith and Eugenie "Nora Jean" Byers Her Second Husband: Sonny Robinson Cora’s beautiful legacy will live on through her family: Her Children: Leslie "Trookie" (Sharon) Cockfield Jr. and Sonya (Patrick) Randall, both of Peoria, IL. Her Adopted Children: Gary Tilmon, Tannessia Polnitz, and Frankie Polnitz. Her Stepmother: Mrs. Dorothy Howard of Peoria, IL. Her Siblings: Charles (Rosie) Howard of Peoria, IL; Howard Johnson of Peoria, IL; Richard Smith of Grand Rapids, MI; Nancy Smith of Grand Rapids, MI; and Brenda Bowie of Las Vegas, NV. Her Grandchildren: Elijah Cockfield, Darneisha Taylor, Leslie Cockfield III (AKA Jr.), Tajzhyiana Cockfield, and Quintez Cockfield, all of Peoria, IL; and Jeremy Rawls and Synthia Logan, both of Nashville, TN. Her Great-Grandchildren: NiSaiah Taylor, Amire Thomas, Ramyha Morris, Caleb Morris, Darius Morris, Amari Cockfield, Bailey Rawls, Ryan Ware, Ricky Ware, and Chekia Logan. Extended Family: A vast host of beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members, and dear friends. We, the family of Cora Lee Cockfield, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, CNAs, food service, and housekeeping staff members at Carle Methodist Hospital who provided her with the highest level of care and compassion over the years. The staff at Carle Methodist were more than her caregivers; they were an extension of her family, and for that, we are eternally grateful for all you did to care for our mother. The family of Cora Lee Cockfield wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time. A private family viewing will be held at Schmidt-Haller Burial & Cremation Services. Cora's remains will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery Condolences and memories may be shared through SchmidtHaller.com

Cora Lee Cockfield

February 13, 1952 - July 3, 2026