Janice Marie Cokeley

Janice Marie Cokeley, 72, of Topeka, died of ovarian cancer at her home early Sunday Morning, July 11, 2004 after an extended illness. She was born November 15, 1931 in Morgantown, West Virginia, the only child of H. William and Anna Weiland Doubles. Raised in that community, Janice graduated from Morgantown High School in 1949. She then attended the Morgantown Business College. In High School, she was a Majorette and played the clarinet in a state championship band. Upon completing her business college course, Mrs. Cokeley was employed for several years as a power company and high school secretary. She then returned to college and earned her Bacherlor's degree in Secondary Education (business and english) from West Virginia University in 1956. Janice married John M. Cokeley in Morgantown on August 21, 1954, just prior to his senior year in Medical School. They moved to Topeka from Charleston, West Virginia in 1960, to facilitate his residency training in the Menninger School of Psychiatry. This community subsequently became their permanent home. After raising her children through grade school, Mrs. Cokeley taught for one year at the Clark's School of Business here in Topeka. She then began teaching in the Auburn-Washburn School District in 1975 and remained there until her retirement in 1997. Janice was a member of several teachers professional organizations and a past-president of the Shawnee County Medical Auxiliary/ Alliance. As a member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, she served as an Elder and clerk of the session. Mrs. Cokeley was preceded in death by her parents and in=laws. She is survived by her husband, John,; a daughter, Laurie Cokeley of Topeka; a son and daughter-in-law, Will and Lynda Cokeley of Delia, Kansas; a daugher and son-in-law, Sharon and Greg Yakshaw of Shawnee, Kansas; two grandchildren, Holly and Ryan Cokeley of Delia; a step--granddaughter, Heather Carter of Topeka and a brother-in-law and his wife, Edmond and Georgia Cokeley of Anaheim, California. Cremation is planned and a memorial service will be held at the Trinity Presbyterian Church on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. July 15, 2004. The family will receive friends in the church parlor following this service. Private inurnment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family wishes to exxpress their deep appreciation for the sustained, loving support received from friends, neigbors, and church members throughout Mrs. Cokeley's extended illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Midland Hospice Care, 200 S.W. Fraizier Circle, Topeka, Ks. 66606-2800 or to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 S.W. 21st St., Topeka, Ks. 66604 or to Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 N.W. Rochester Rd., Topeka, Ks. 66617. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.penwellgabel.com.