Jerome Harry Cockerham, "Jerry" or "YoYo" as he was affectionately known to family and friends, passed away and earned his heavenly wings on February 17, 2021 in the privacy of his home in Winston-Salem, NC.

Jerome was born May 23, 1949 in Winston Salem to the late Wiley and Constance Cockerham.

Jerome was preceded in death by his brother, Wiley Cockerham, Jr.

Jerome was educated in the Surry County and Washington, DC school systems at an early age. He joined the United Stated Marine Corps at the age of 17 years old and was a Vietnam War veteran. Worthy of special recognition, Jerome received an honorable medical discharge and earned a Purple Heart. After returning to the states, Jerome joined the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC where he became a member of the law enforcement community for 20 years. As part of honoring his service as an officer of the Fourth District, Jerome was presented with a plaque for the Inauguration of President Ronald Wilson Reagan on January 20, 1981 and January 21, 1985. Once retiring from the police force, Jerome relocated back to North Carolina where he did not just sit back and relax. Oh no, he quickly gained fulltime employment as a Security Supervisor before retiring yet again from another company. Through his many years of community service and being himself, Jerome "Jerry" or "YoYo" played an important and instrumental role in the lives of all that knew him personally and/or professionally.

Jerome leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 21 years, Barbara A. Cockerham of the home; five daughters, Jerelle (Kenneth) Daggs of Upper Marlboro, MD, Nailani Norris of Baltimore, MD, Demetria & Shinika Austin, and Takisha (Antuane) Wright of Winston-Salem, NC; six grandchildren, Ellis and Eian Daggs of Upper Marlboro, MD, Noah Proctor of Baltimore, MD,  Cierria, Jakier & Kierria Austin of Winston-Salem, NC; two great grandchildren, T'Ari Austin & Liam Mack-Austin of Winston-Salem, NC; one uncle, Jessie (Eunice) Cropps of Dobson, NC; members of his extended family, The Coates Family of Washington, DC; his long time best friend (BROTHER), Theodore (JoHanna) Tuckson of New Carrollton, MD; many special cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

A family visitation will be held at 12:30pm Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Greater Saint Matthews Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Greater Saint Matthews Baptist Church with Rev. William Purvis officiating. Interment will be held at 9:00am Friday, February 26, 2021 in Salisbury National Cemetery.

The funeral service will be livestreamed Thursday, February 25, 2021 via his daughter Takisha Wright's Facebook page.