Audrey Cochran Eubanks, Ph.D., a longtime resident of the Rocky Creek Community near Lucedale, Mississippi, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023 after a short illness.

Dr. Eubanks was born Audrey Fay Cochran to Aubrey A. and Virginia H. Cochran of the Crossroads Community on August 5, 1946. She graduated from Lucedale High School in 1964. She attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and later graduated from University of Southern Mississippi (USM) where she also earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Education.

Audrey Cochran became Audrey C. Eubanks in November of 1964 when she wed Littleton H. Eubanks, Jr. They were married until Mr. Eubanks' death in February of 2010.

She was also preceded in death by her parents (listed above) and her brothers Aubrey and Julian Cochran.

Always a teacher at heart, education of all ages was the focus of her more than 50-year career. Whether teaching first grade at Central Elementary School or teaching English as a second language to adult students at USM and Springhill College and later joining the University of Mobile as an Assistant Professor in Education, Dr. Eubanks found energy and joy in seeing those "aha moments" in her students.

Dr. Eubanks spent most of her career with the University of Mobile. She was named Dean of the School of Education in 1987 and was appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1991, a position she held until her retirement in 2016 when she was honored with the status of Emeritus. Dr. Eubanks has remained in key advisory roles and Professor of Education at the University.

Plants were a passion for her. She loved all kinds of flowers, especially Camellias. Dr. Eubanks would often surprise her family and friends with a picture of a new variety of camellia she was curious about. She also enjoyed plants that attract hummingbirds and planted many kinds around her home to invite those tiny birds that fascinated and entertained her.

Dr. Eubanks was a member of Rocky Creek Baptist Church. She especially enjoyed her Sunday School group whom she described as "special friends".

She is survived by her daughter K. Nicole Eubanks-Lambert (James); brother-in-law Al Eubanks (Garnet); sister Lenora Bates; brother Lester Cochran (Johnese); grandchildren Hanna Lambert, Ryan Lambert (Mackenzie); great grandchildren Cashel and Faye Lambert; along with several special nieces and their spouses, a nephew and great nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at George Regional Hospital for their treatment, care and respect of Dr. Eubanks during her illness.

The funeral will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Rocky Creek Baptist Church, 2147 Rocky Creek Road, Lucedale, MS with Dr. Paul Brashier officiating.  Burial will be in Rocky Creek Cemetery, Lucedale, MS.

Calling hours will be Friday, March 3, 2023 from 4-6:00pm at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St., Lucedale, MS and Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 1-2:00pm at Rocky Creek Baptist Church, 2147 Rocky Creek Road, Lucedale, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked consideration for a donation to the University of Mobile, 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL to the Littleton H. Eubanks, Jr. and Audrey C. Eubanks, Scholarship Fund; The American Lung Association; or the Humane Society of the United States.

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.