Evelyn Dockins

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Laura Evelyn Dockins, 82, of Sikeston, died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

She was born Oct. 2, 1922, in West Frankfort, Ill., daughter of William Henry and Maggie Mabel Cobb Conner. She and Chester P. Dockins were married July 15, 1939, in Sikeston. He died Nov. 16, 1987.

Dockins was a machine operator 27 years at International Shoe Co. in Sikeston, and eight years at Florsheim Shoe Co. in Cape Girardeau, retiring in 1986. She was also a self-employed seamstress more than 40 years. She was a nurses aide at Missouri Delta Medical Center three years, and a volunteer 25 years.

She was a member of North Acres General Baptist Church. She sang and played guitar with the Thomann Gospel Singers, including a gospel show on KCHR Radio in Charleston, Mo.

Survivors include three sons, Chester Dockins of St. Peters, Mo., Stuart Dockins of St. Louis, Randy Dockins of Sikeston; five daughters, Brenda Hicks of Arnold, Mo., Gloria Morgan of Duck River, Tenn., Linda Hicks and Lisa Grace of Sikeston, Rebecca Andrews of Piedmont, Mo.; 22 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, a brother, five sisters and a grandson.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. Steve Tippen officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.