Evelyn (Titus) Cockrum, 87, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on September 23, 2026. 

Born in Springfield, Missouri, Evelyn lived a life centered around the people she loved most. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, and her family was truly the heart of her world. 

Evelyn found her greatest happiness in simply being with those she loved. Time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was precious to her, and she never missed an opportunity to let them know she was thinking of them. No birthday or holiday was complete without a card from Evelyn arriving in the mail—a small tradition that meant so much and will be deeply missed. 

She especially loved shopping with her daughter, Torrey, and she took great pride in always looking her best. Evelyn was known for being beautifully dressed, decked out in her jewelry, and, of course, having her nails painted. She had a style all her own. 

Some of Evelyn’s favorite days were the simple ones. She loved feeding and watching the birds, especially the hummingbirds that visited her. She enjoyed keeping up with her favorite soap operas and spending time with her beloved dog, Lucy, who brought her so much companionship and joy. She also cherished her evenings spent watching movies with her son, Rick. 

Friendship was also incredibly important to Evelyn. She shared a remarkable friendship of more than 75 years with her best friend, Nancy. Their lifelong bond was something truly special—a friendship that lasted through nearly every season of life. 

Evelyn had a warm and kind heart. She cared deeply for the people around her and showed that love in countless ways, whether it was sending a card, spending an afternoon shopping, visiting with family, or simply being present. Her family will remember not only the things she loved, but the way she made ordinary moments feel special just by being there. 

Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred Cockrum; her son, Randy Pendergrass; her parents, Perry and Mable Titus; her brother Glidden Titus and his wife, Mary; her sister Inas Pusch and her husband, Keith; her sister Neet Clark and her husband, Bob; her brother Dallas Titus and his wife, Else; and her brother Charles Titus. 

She leaves behind her children, Rick Pendergrass and Torrey Bozman; her grandchildren, Tyler Hough and his wife, Skylar, Jorie Todd and her husband, Evan, and Dustin Pendergrass; and her great-grandchildren, Avery Hough and Cash Hough. 

Although Evelyn’s family will deeply miss seeing her dressed in her favorite jewelry, receiving one of her cards in the mail, hearing about her soap operas, or watching her enjoy the hummingbirds outside, the love she gave them will remain. 

Her memory will live on in the traditions she created, the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and all of the little things that will forever remind those who loved her of Evelyn.

Service information will be posted soon.