Hazel Marie Cooksley

Hazel Marie Cooksley embarked on her voyage to Valhalla on December 23, 2020. She was born October 20, 1928 to Mildred Anderson and Clifford White in Corning, Iowa. She had two brothers, Gail and Elvin.
She enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 as a nurse. She served at the Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco, CA; the 8169th Evac Unit, Korea; and the 171st Evac Unit, Japan; achieving the rank of 1st Lt. before her discharge in 1954. She was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the UN Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Her service is also recognized at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
During her service at Camp Zama, Japan, she met her husband, Lt. Boyd E. Cooksley, who preceded her in death. Upon their return stateside, they married and served 28 more years in the Army.
She was adventurous, visiting all 50 states and traveling to many countries around the world. She loved golf and spent many happy days on the links with friends. She had an affinity for convertible cars and animals. She was generous, kind, an excellent cook, and a proud American. She taught her family to be proud of their Nordic heritage and instilled a love of the phrase "Uff da" in all of them. She has resided in Oxford, NC since 1985 where her home became the center of all family traditions. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her children, Deborah (Bill) Marquardt and Tracy Cooksley; and her granddaughters, Ashley Cooksley, and Alexis Cooksley.
She will be laid to rest with her husband in Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 2: 00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marie's honor to the American Legion or the Carolina Tiger Rescue.
The Cooksley family is proudly being served by Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home, 503 College St., Oxford, NC, 27565.