Barbara (Cockrell) Stroble

Mrs. Barbara Cockrell Stroble, 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, surrounded by love.

Welcomed joyously March 15, 1948, in Batesburg, South Carolina, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon and Trannie Roland Cockrell. Barbara's family located to Orangeburg after she graduated from Bamberg High School. She went on to attend Georgia Southern University.  She carried the values instilled in her from a young age throughout her life—devotion to family, faith, and community.

Barbara was a loving wife, daughter, and friend whose warmth touched many lives. Most importantly, she cherished more than a 52-year love story with her devoted husband, Mike E. Stroble. Their bond was a source of strength and constant joy through the years.

Barbara faced tragedy that no parent should endure when losing her only son, Thomas Scott at 32 years old. Her heart was shattered yet she allowed her faith to give her strength. A few years ago, after a devastating fire took her home and memories, she journeyed long and hard to rebuild hers and Mike’s lives yet again.

Professionally, Barbara was employed with Southern Bell Telephone for many years with a career marked by reliability and service. In addition to her work there, she spent many years selling Avon products, a role that allowed her to meet countless wonderful people and build lasting connections within her community.

A member of Four Holes Baptist Church, Barbara found great comfort and purpose in her spiritual life. Her daily prayers and comfort to friends and family were a testament to her enduring faith.

Barbara embraced every opportunity to spend time with her family and friends. She was engaging, funny, witty and everyone felt her welcoming heart and warm embrace. Whether gathered around the table or sharing quiet moments together, she treasured these times deeply.

While hearts are shattered of those she leaves behind, she will be seated at a heavenly bridge game enjoying friends who preceded her in death. In addition, she will be embraced yet again by her parents, Vernon and Trannie Roland Cockrell and her beloved son, Thomas “Scottie” Scott Stroble.

Barbara’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know and love her. Her husband, Mike, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew and many cousins and special neighbors.

The family would like to offer sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, technicians and staff at MUSC Orangeburg along with Agape Hospice for the care given to Barbara throughout the last months of her medical journey.  In addition, the utmost gratitude to Dr. Willie B Lewis and his staff for their care and support.

May her legacy of kindness and devotion bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.

The family will honor Barbara with a memorial service on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, 1012 Whitman Street, Orangeburg at 1:00 P.M.  Rev. Chad Garris will be officiating.  Burial will follow with a graveside service at Four Holes Baptist Church Cemetery, 1622 Four Holes Road, Orangeburg.

Memorials may be made in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.