Merle M. Cockrum age 99, of Benton, passed away at 2:05 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2015 at the Leffler - Poulson Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Kent Dunford officiating. Burial will be in the Horse Prairie Cemetery of Sesser. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Merle was born on February 16, 1915 in Elevenpoint, Arkansas, the daughter of William Riley Toliver and Mary Ann (Lee) Toliver. She married Lewis Cockrum on October 21, 1935, and he preceded her in death. Mrs. Cockrum was a homemaker and a caregiver to her son Lewis Alfred for all 67 years of his life. She and Lewis Alfred enjoyed watching television together and they were especially fond of the Andy Griffith Show. Malinda said she is sure her mother is in Heaven with all the loved ones that went on before her. And she said she is also sure that Merle and Lewis Alfred are somewhere in Heaven watching the Andy Griffith Show. Merle is survived by her daughter Malinda Roberts and husband Darrell of Benton; special nieces and nephews: Betty and Bob Johnson of Mulkeytown, Janet Turner, Hassel and Rick Patterson and Christine Smart, all of Pocahontas, Arkansas; several other nieces and nephews; special caregivers: Deborah Surf, LaDonna Green, Beth Carter and Leigh Ann Blackburn. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons: Robbie Cockrum and Lewis Alfred Cockrum; and eleven brothers and sisters. The family would like to say Thank You, to Dr. Rethorst and staff, the wonderful staff at Stonebridge Senior Living Center for the wonderful care given. To leave online condolences to the family visit www.lpfuneralhome.com