Margaret Elizabeth (Cochran) Liles

Margaret Elizabeth Cochran Liles, 98, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2022 after a long, beautiful life of serving God and loving others. A funeral service will be held for Margaret at Roberta Church on Friday, November 11, at 2:00 pm with Reverend Jim Hamlin officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 – 1:30 pm at Roberta Church.

Margaret was born in Roberta, Georgia on May 11, 1924 to the late Elizabeth Louvenia Childs Cochran and Owen Carlton Cochran. She spent most of her life in Roberta. Margaret graduated from Crawford County High School as valedictorian of her class and subsequently graduated from Georgia Alabama Business School.

Margaret and Jacob Bland Liles were married in 1942, and she supported him as he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. They were the “Greatest Generation”. Their family is proud of their service and sacrifices for our freedom. Together, they raised two daughters, Carol Liles Armstrong and Marsha Liles Hyer. Margaret’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her heart and joy.

Margaret retired from the Crawford County Department of Family and Children’s Services after 38 years as a social worker. She was an active member of Roberta Baptist Church and later, Roberta United Methodist Church and Methodist Women. She was active in her community as well, serving as a volunteer and board member of the Crawford County American Cancer Society, Crawford County Clean and Beautiful, Crawford County Historical Society, Crawford County Retired Educators, Roberta/Crawford Chamber of Commerce, and the Macon Garden Club. She was recognized as “Volunteer of the Year” by Clean and Beautiful, Retired Educators, and the Historical Society.

Margaret was the epitome of a southern lady. She was an excellent hostess, cook, and baker. Her cakes are fondly remembered by many. She enjoyed travel and playing bridge and was a member of several bridge groups throughout her adult life.

Margaret moved to Macon in her senior years where she had many good friends. She then moved to Stonehenge Senior Living in Blairsville, Georgia in 2011 to remain close to family. However, her heart and home remained in Roberta.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and Owen Cochran; her husband, Jacob Liles; a sister, Lillie Maude Rowell; and a brother, Jack Cochran.

She is survived by her daughters Carol Liles Armstrong of Bradenton, FL and Marsha Liles Hyer (Richard) of Blairsville, GA; her granddaughters Sharon Armstrong Chambers (John) of Brookline, NH, Susan Armstrong Miller (Eric) of Portland, OR, and Kelly Peterman Burch (Nathan) of Henderson, NV; step-grandsons Lee Hyer of Raleigh, NC and Brooks Hyer of Knoxville, TN; and great-grandchildren Callie Chambers, Sydney Chambers, Isabella Burch, and James Burch.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in her memory to Roberta Church,

116 West Agency Street, Roberta, GA 31078 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

McLeighton Funeral Service of Roberta has charge of funeral arrangements.

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