Nora Elizabeth Iles Hockaday, 87, died peacefully Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Liberty Commons in Weldon.
“Libby” as she was affectionately known, was born May 28, 1933 in Halifax County, NC to the late David Edgar Iles and Helen Copeland Iles. She was married to the late James Edward “Jimmie” Hockaday on July 20, 1958 at Littleton Baptist Church. She was also predeceased by her brother David Edgar Iles.
Mrs. Hockaday graduated from Littleton High School at the top of her class and was voted Valedictorian.
She continued her education at East Carolina University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Following graduation, she taught at Littleton High School, William R. Davie High School, and Halifax Academy. She taught school for over 45 years and was beloved by her many students.
After her retirement she stayed busy cooking huge Sunday dinners for her family and friends. Many friends said that Mrs. Hockaday was known for “Food and Fun.”
Her love of children led her to begin collecting beautiful porcelain Madame Alexander dolls.
She soon filled an entire room with dolls, and it became known as “the doll room.”
She loved reading paperback novels and would read so much while cooking that she sometimes burned the biscuits. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school at Littleton Baptist Church, and over the years she always had a loving dog by her side.
Survivors include her children and their spouses, James “Jamie” Hockaday (Julia) of Littleton, Charles Hockaday (Steven Green) of Roanoke Rapids, Nora Leigh Labrecque (Randy) of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren, Ryan Hockaday, Eric Hockaday, Cindy Blackmon, and Mary Beth Labrecque; great-grandchild, Lucas Blackmon; her sisters, Dorothy Green of Roanoke Rapids, Mary Anne Hodges of New Bern, Carrie Emma Bowers (Fred) of Fort Mill, SC, sister-in-law Sarah Iles of Littleton and several nieces and nephews.
The service for Mrs. Hockaday will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 23, from the graveside at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids. Pastor David Little of Littleton Baptist Church will preside over the service where Mrs. Hockaday was a lifetime member. The family will greet friends following the service.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Liberty Home Care and Hospice, 93 NC-125, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.
Live stream of the funeral service will be available by visiting https://www.facebook.com/carlislencompany/.
Guests are reminded to follow masking and social distancing recommendations.
The online guest book may be signed at hockadayfs.com
Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.