Charlotte Garland Cocke Rector

Charlotte Garland Cocke Rector, known to all as Honey, of Sussex Courthouse, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 5th, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born on October 20th, 1934 to William Briggs Cocke, Jr. and Lois Kramer (“Doe”) Cocke. An alumna of St. Mary’s School in Raleigh and the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Honey married William Baylis Rector Jr., in 1956. In 1978, the couple moved to her family farm, Smithville, where she resided until her passing. Honey was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Junior League, and the Sussex County Historical Society. She loved horses, and was an avid golfer; when she served meals they were lavish, and all were welcome at her table. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Rector Burton, and her son, William Baylis (“Trey”) Rector III; her grandchildren, William Briggs Burton and Isabelle Baylis Rector; and by numerous other loving family members and dear friends. She will be laid to rest in the family plot at Bethel Church Cemetery on Tuesday, June 9th, at 2:00pm and a reception will follow at Smithville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sussex Courthouse Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1363, Sussex, Virginia 23884.