Jean Carolyn Cochran

Jean Carolyn McMurry Cochran, age 93 of Fordyce, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026. She was born February 20, 1933 to Alvin and Allene McMurry. She married the only love of her life, Clayton Cochran, in 1950 and together they raised their two daughters, Becky and Gwynne, in Fordyce, a community she deeply loved.

Jean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend whose life was defined by love and faith. She took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of her family. She shared 68 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband before his passing in 2018. Together they built a life filled with cherished memories, enduring commitment, and unwavering devotion to one another. Some of her happiest moments were spent camping with Clayton and family, creating memories that lasted a lifetime.

She was a member of Fordyce First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School in the Children’s Department for many years. Jean found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid reader which is evidenced by the hundreds of books that filled her bookcases, and she loved and collected tea pots, all shapes and sizes, and many Christmas themed ones. She also expressed her love through cooking, not only preparing delicious meals for her family, but sharing meals with friends and making sure she had something prepared for church potlucks. She was happy to share her recipes and often sent some to her daughters in cards she sent them after they married and moved away.

We must also mention that Jean was an avid Arkansas Razorback fan, be it football, basketball or baseball. She cheered them on and was an enthusiastic arm chair coach. Jean also loved to play bingo, especially when she was winning.

Jean is survived by her daughters and sons-in law, Becky and Andy Bryant of Sheridan, AR and Gwynne and Billie Dunlap of Weatherford, TX; her sister Joan Hill of Ridgeland, MS; her brother and sister-in-law Jim and Nancy McMurry of Bartlett, TN; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; niece and nephews.

The family finds comfort in knowing Jean has been reunited with family and friends who went before her and rests now in eternal peace.

The family extends a sincere thank you to the staff of St. John’s Place in Fordyce for their care and the love they showed her.

Her memory will forever be a blessing.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Stoney Point Cemetery in Fordyce with Rev. Rusty Ross officiating with Scott Talley providing music. The family requests for those that wish to honor Jean wear red or black to the service. She always loved wearing those colors. Arrangements Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce to sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.