Cora Bickly, 70, of China Spring, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, after a courageous 8 year battle with cancer.
Memorial Service: 2PM Friday, February 7, 2025 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
Born on December 6, 1954, to George and Katherine McGhee Wilson, Cora was a proud graduate of Waco High School. Throughout her life, Cora held a variety of positions, most notably serving as a Deputy Sheriff in Phoenix, Arizona, and later as a booking technician for the McLennan County Sheriff’s Department in Waco, Texas. She was known for her vibrant spirit and love for dance, earning accolades in several dance competitions. Yet, nothing brought her more joy than the trips she took to Oklahoma to try her luck at gambling. Cora had a contagious laugh and an infectious personality that drew people to her. In 1985, Cora reunited with her soulmate, Barry, and they built a loving life together in China Spring. Alongside her many joys, she dedicated herself to caring for her special needs cousin, Joe McGhee.
Cora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Barry; father, George Wilson; mother, Katherine Wilson and brother, James (Jimmy) Wilson.
She is survived by daughter, Amanda (Mandy) Baker and husband Robert of Yoakum, Texas; stepdaughters, Melissa Futch of Eddy, Texas, and Martie Bickly of Hewitt, Texas; sister, Ann Lee of Waco, Texas; ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her niece, Carrie Ihlenfeldt, and dear friend, Becky Leibel, for their exceptional care and support during this difficult time. Cora will be deeply missed and remembered for her laughter, love, and zest for life.
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Please know we’re thinking of you during this terrible time. If there’s anything you need, we are here for you. Stay strong.
Praying & thinking for everyone! Sending much love & comfort during this time! 🤍🫂
Mandy and Robert, my dear friends, I am so sad to hear about your Moms passing.
Arvil and I really loved Cora and Barry. I have such wonderful memories of them.
Cora was such a special person, so kind and caring and she loved you with all her heart. I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to you and your family.
Sincerely, Lou Kinsey
Love you my friend wonderful memories from WT an BBarry to us partners in crime lol Thelma an Louise
Prayers & Love for your loss ! May God be with family & friends during your loss and faith! Our Prayers for you!
Johnny & Charlotte
Mandel
Sending my love from Cj and Texaco. The Fun memories we had going to Louisiana and gambling when I was under age. Being nicknamed Texaco by you and Barry. My heart goes out to everyone this woman has spoke with. Her kind and genuine love and support she had was so amazing. Going to miss you Cora. Love Jaclyn and Cj Clay.
Mandy Robert Savanna & Riggin, thank you for allowing me the honor of spending my beautiful Aunt Cora’s last remaining months with her. I will forever cherish all those moments with her from trips to chemo labs and blood transfusions to her stubbornness of independence to tears of joy to her laughing thru the pain. The sleepless nights ,her tears of not wanting go but only because of those she was leaving behind and all the love she showed while smiling thru the pain . Oh and singing “let it go”…this strong beautiful fun independent selfless amazing and wonderful woman ..my Aunt Cora will forever be in my heart!!!…She fought an amazing
Fight and in the end she won anyway! Many talks of God’s
Timing and His plans and the home she was waiting for Him to finish……from the very depths of heart thank you for that time her!!! She will be missed more than you know. Thoughts love and prayers to you all now and always!!!
Cora, you will not be forgotten and there will never be another you. You have made the last 35 years of my life the best. Never a dull moment! Not a day will go by that I don’t think of you and one of our adventures. I was truly blessed to have known you. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mandy, Robert, Riggin, Savanna, Marty & Melissa. You will be missed my friend!
Cora was a beautiful lady and always so sweet every time I got the chance to meet her. I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I will miss you more than you know. Growing up together from elementary school through our teen years, hanging out with our old gang, and then starting our families. For a few years we lost touch, but I’m so thankful that we were able to re-connect and have some fun together in our old age. We had a blast on our recent trips to Oklahoma – until you were just not physically able to go anymore. Even then, you made sure you were on the phone with me while I played your favorite slot machines at Winstar. My BFF – I miss you so much! We had some crazy fun times together, and oh, the precious memories! Please give my sweet Tia a hug and a kiss, and y’all save a place for me. Rest in Peace, my beautiful friend.
Mandy, just a word from an old friend that had a lot of feelings for Cora. She was a great friend when we worked together and my right hand in the office when was out of town. But more than that she was there for me when my wife died and I needed the support she gave me. Many fun trips to Win- Star. I will always regret losing contact with her this past year, but I think I know why. She willl always have a special place in my heart ❤️
Sending prayers for Cora’s family. She & I went to elementary school together & a year at North Jr. Such a sweet person & friend! Saw her some in later years & she always had that sweet smile! Fly high Sweet Lady!