Gail Marie Cockerham Ketner

Mrs. Gail Marie Cockerham Ketner, 89, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, April 26, 2026, due to complications related to leukemia.

Gail was born in Forsyth County on December 12, 1936, the oldest child of Jack Q. Cockerham and Annie Laura Tesh. She spent her formative years growing up just off South Main Street, behind the Cockerham Furniture Store.

She was an alumna of Griffith High School, Class of 1955. Following graduation, Gail began working at Wachovia Bank, and on April 8, 1956, she married Kenneth, beginning a loving marriage that lasted sixty-nine years. On Christmas Day in 1963, Gail and Kenneth became the proud parents of twins, Charles and Suzanne. In 1968, Gail began a successful and fulfilling career with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, from which she retired after thirty years of service.

In retirement, Gail and Kenneth enjoyed traveling together, visiting Europe, Canada, and destinations across the United States. They also cherished their “famous day trips” to the mountains, often stopping for a picnic in a small church parking lot along the way.

Gail was a devoted member of Friedberg Moravian Church. She served on numerous boards, was a diener for over forty years, and remained active in her Sunday School classes, assisting with suppers, car shows, and bazaars.

Above all, Gail was a loving and devoted wife to Kenneth and a dedicated mother who supported her children through all of life’s joys and challenges.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth G. Ketner, and her brother, Jack D. Cockerham.

Mrs. Ketner is survived by her loving children, Charles G. Ketner and Suzanne M. Ketner; her grandson, Christopher A. Ketner (Amanda); her great-grandson, Remington A. Ketner; and her special sister, Judy C. Sink.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Friedberg Moravian Church, with Rev. James C. Newsome officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church graveyard.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. James Dugan, the nurses and staff of the Novant Hematology Department, Trellis Supportive Care, and their Aunt Judy Sink for the compassionate care shown to their mother during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Covenant Sunday School Class of Friedberg Moravian Church, 2178 Friedberg Church Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27127.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family.