Margaret A Cozad

Margaret A. Cozad, 86, of Bement, IL., passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 8:30 P.M., at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., at the First Presbyterian Church of Bement. The Rev. Marsha Frederick will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 5:00 P.M. To 7:00 P.M., at the Hinds Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 348 N. Piatt St., Bement, IL.. Burial will be in the Bement Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association of America.

Margaret was born on January 4, 1939, in Tazewell, TN., a daughter of John L. and Ruth Gourley Smith. She married Larry J. Cozad on February 10, 1962 in Anacortes, WA., and he passed away on March 25, 1998. Surviving are 4 daughters; Robyn (Bernie) Whalen of Weldon Spring, MO., Lisa (Kevin) Franzen of Penfield, IL., Tracy (Ray) Coggins of Anderson, IN., and Sherry Cozad of Mahomet, IL. Surviving grandchildren are; Lauren Somers, Rachel (Armando) Avalos, Regan (Stephen) Landry, Dane Barnhart, Athena Mills and Malcolm Mills., as well as step-grandchildren; Kassidi (Kevin) Crist, Keegan Franzen and Mackenzie Franzen, as well as great-grandchildren; Adriel Avalos, Augie Avalos, Elliot Landry, Atticus Landry and Kai Crist.

Margaret is also survived by a brother; Richard A. Smith of Middlesboro, KY., and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and ten siblings; Bill Smith, Jimmie Lou Smith, Joe Edward Smith, Tip Smith, Tom Smith, Pat Smith, Jackie Lloyd, Rose Barton, Terrie Kollarik, and Roger Smith.

Margaret spent her early years in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and the Cumberland Gap area. While visiting her brother at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, she met her future husband, Larry. They married and spent 23 years moving with Larry's Navy career while Margaret stayed home to raise their four daughters. The family eventually settled in Bement.

Margaret worked in retail customer service for more than 40 years, beginning at Kaiser's Department Store and continuing at Ben Franklin, Bement IGA, County Market, and JTA Foods. Known to many simply as “Margaret at the grocery store,” she loved connecting with customers and offering a friendly smile.

She enjoyed bowling, playing slow-pitch softball, and sewing. A gifted seamstress, she made clothes for her daughters – from childhood outfits to prom dresses – and Halloween costumes for her granddaughter. Margaret was also known for her delicious homemade cookies (especially chocolate chip and snickerdoodles) and beautifully decorated cakes, which became a favorite in the community.

A lifelong University of Tennessee Volunteers fan, she also rooted for the University of Illinois, calling them “the other orange team.” She cherished annual trips to Tennessee for family reunions at Big Ridge State Park, where she created lasting memories with her children and grandchildren spending the week in cabins on the lake.

Margaret's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. She lit up when they visited and always sent them home with cookies, smiles, and warm hugs. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness touched many.

Aaron and Susie Hinds of Hinds Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Bement, have the honor to serve the family of Margaret A. Cozad, “Our Family Is Here To Serve Your Family”. Please visit our website at www.hindsfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.