Mary Jean Cochran

Mary Jean (McGee) Davidson Cochran was born on September 25th, 1923, in Emporia, Kansas. She passed away at the age of 101 years and 11 months on August 24, 2025, in Olathe, Kansas. With a heart of kindness and a spirit of generosity, she dedicated her life to a legacy of love. This legacy will continue to shine through all those who knew her.

Mary Jean’s life of service began at age 10 when she joined 4-H. She spent 41 years of her adult life as a community leader, mentor, and project leader for the Oxford Hustlers 4-H Club. Her love of learning led her to Kansas State Teachers College. There, she earned a three-year teaching certificate. She then taught at the same one-room school she attended as a child.

She married James A. Cochran on January 6th, 1943. Over the course of their 63-year marriage, they built a beautiful family of four sons, two daughters-in-law, six grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Mary was a school secretary for 29 years, for USD #103, Countryside, then USD #233. After retirement in 1988, Mary was instrumental in starting the Retired Employees Association, Seniors Serving Schools, The Living History Project, and the Intergenerational Choir. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years, where she shared her adoration for learning and faith by serving as a Sunday School teacher and Secretary, Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, and a member of the Quilting Circle. Her enthusiasm for music shone brightly as she enjoyed singing in the church choir as well as the Olathe Intergenerational Choir.

Mary Jean was passionate about her community engagement. She was a valued member of the Olathe Historical Society, Friends of the Mahaffie House, Friends of Johnson County Museum, and Friends of the Olathe Library. She is known to more than 3,000 students for her One Room School House talks, where she preserved and celebrated the rich history of Olathe and the surrounding areas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her son, Alan Cochran, and her brother, John Davidson.

Mary is survived by her sons, David Cochran (Carol), Art Cochran (Joan), Jeff Cochran; grandchildren, David Cochran (Lata), Dana Cochran Bridges (Kevin), Steven Cochran, Todd Cochran (Jana), Matt Cochran, Lisa Cochran Armstrong (Chris); and great grandchildren Aivia, Lilya, Morgan, Madison, Todd Jr. (Stephanie), Xe’las, Sara, Jack, Isaac, Elijah, Nickolas, and Tyler.

Mary Jean Cochran will be remembered for her love of the Lord and her devotion to her family, friends, and community, through whom she will live on forever.

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