Wilbert Thomas Cockerham was born in Winston-Salem, NC on September 10, 1935 to Lonnie William Cockerham and Nellie Bailey Cockerham, the third of nine children. At the age of 85, Wilbert joined our loving and divine Savior on August 24, 2021.

During his early life, Wilbert attended Gospel Tabernacle Holiness Church with his parents and siblings. Later as an adult, Wilbert joined New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully. Wilbert graduated from Carver High School in Winston-Salem. While there, Wilbert learned the trade of Brick Masonry which became his life's occupation. As a brick mason, Wilbert worked for SECO World Wide Construction Company. He was part of the team that constructed major projects at various locations which include the Atrium Healthcare Center Main (formerly Charlotte Healthcare Center), Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina School of the Arts, and a Fifth Street parking deck.

Wilbert enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country with dedication, dignity, and true patriotism. He entered the Navy near the end of the Korean Conflict. His military experiences allowed him to travel throughout Greenland, Nova Scotia, Cuba, Panama Canal, Japan, and the Guam Islands. Having received an honorable discharge after four years of military service, Wilbert registered at Forsyth Technical Community College to take courses in the area of Heating and Air conditioning. However, he continued to work in the construction industry.

Wilbert was married to the love of his life, Barbara Hines Cockerham who predeceased him August 30, 2016. They enjoyed a long and happy marriage.

Wilbert's pastime included watching professional football, tennis, and baseball. He also liked to go fishing with family members and friends. He was diligent in keeping up with local and national news. He could engage in discussions on a variety of topics. His philosophy of life could be summed up in William Shakespeare's: TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE. AND IT MUST FOLLOW, AS THE NIGHT THE DAY. But very clearly and succinctly, Wilbert simply said, 'BE YO SELLF. He was truly a fine man with a gentle spirit.

In addition to his late wife Barbara, Wilbert was predeceased by his parents, Lonnie and Nellie Cockerham; and his brother, Lonnie.

He is survived by his siblings: Rev. Doris Winford, Anderson, Indiana; Mrs. Arzell Greene, High Point, NC; Dr. Frances Waller, Charlotte, NC; Ms. Emma Jean Pitts, Winston-Salem, NC; Rev. Patricia Turner (William), Salisbury, NC; Bernard Cockerham, Carson, California; Haven Cockerham (Terry), Chapel Hill, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends 11:30am Saturday, August 28, 2021 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church with the funeral service following at 12 Noon.