Cora Wilson Bickly, 70, of China Spring, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, after a courageous 8 year battle with cancer. 

Her memorial service will be Friday, February 7, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.

Born on December 6,1954 to George and Katherine McGhee Wilson, Cora was a proud graduate of Waco High School. Throughout her life, Cora held a variety of positions, most notably serving as a Deputy Sheriff in Phoenix, Arizona and later as a booking technician for the McLennan County Sheriff's Department in Waco, Texas. She was known for her vibrant spirit and love for dance, earning accolades in several dance competitions. Yet, nothing brought her more joy than the trips she took to Oklahoma to try her luck at gambling. Cora had a contagious laugh and an infectious personality that drew people to her. In 1985, Cora reunited with her soulmate, Barry, and they built a loving life together in China Spring. Alongside her many joys, she dedicated herslf to caring for her special needs cousin, Joe McGhee.

Cora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Barry; father, George Wilson, mother, Katherine Wilson, and brother, James (Jimmy) Wilson.

She is survived by daughter, Amanda (Mandy) Baker and husband Robert of Yoakum, Texas; stepdaughters, Melissa Futch of Eddy, Texas, and Martie Bickly of Hewitt, Texas; sister, Ann Lee of Waco, Texas; ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her niece, Carrie Ihlenfeldt, and dear friend, Becky Leibel, for their exceptional care and support during this difficult time. Cora will be deeply missed and remembered for her laughter, love, and zest for life.