Tickle—Patricia “Ann” Cockerham Tickle, 83, on December 17, 2025, in Greensboro, N.C. Ann was born on April 4, 1942, to Bernice and Roy Cockerham in Mount Airy, N.C. At a young age, Ann met her best friend and the love of her life, Donald Ray Tickle. They married on November 28, 1957. She was a devoted wife and mother to their two children, Jeffrey and Tamela. While supporting Don’s calling into the ministry, Ann pursued her education, earning her GED from Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C., and completing advanced coursework in business and secretarial studies.
In 1988, Ann began a distinguished career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Friday Center for Continuing Education. Her warmth and kindness were officially recognized with the “Sunshine Award,” a testament to the positive impact she had on her colleagues. She retired from UNC Chapel Hill in 2014 and settled in the Greensboro area.
Ann came out of retirement to work for the accounting office at UNC Greensboro. True to her nature, she quickly formed lifelong bonds with her coworkers, leaving a lasting impression of support and kindness.
Ann and Don served as a pastoral couple for approximately 12 different Quaker meetings in North Carolina, the first of which was when they were in their early 20s at Rocky River Meeting in Siler City. Their longest service was at Hunting Creek Meeting in Yadkinville. Ann and Don came to New Garden Meeting in 2002. Ann organized vacation bible school classes, helped regularly in the nursery, and volunteered wherever needed. Her quiet efforts to support each congregation were steadfast.
Ann’s greatest pleasure was spending time with her family. Ann was fondly known as the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Granny” for her love of attending concerts with her husband. She was a devoted fan, passionately cheering for her beloved Tar Heels. At home, she was famous for making the best chicken and dumplings, a staple at family gatherings. Most importantly, Ann was a champion for others. She celebrated every accomplishment of her family and friends, no matter how small, with pride and encouragement.
Ann was predeceased by her husband of more than 67 years, Donald Ray Tickle, who died three months earlier.
She is survived by two children, Jeff Tickle and Tamela Tickle; one grandchild; one step-grandchild; and one great-grandchild.
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