Lila Cockrell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lila Cockrell
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| Mayor of San Antonio | |
| In office June 1, 1989 – June 1, 1991 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Cisneros |
| Succeeded by | Nelson Wolff |
| In office May 1, 1975 – May 1, 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Charles L. Becker |
| Succeeded by | Henry Cisneros |
| San Antonio City Councilwoman | |
| In office 1973–1975 |
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| In office 1963–1970 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Lila May Banks
January 19, 1922 Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | August 29, 2019 (aged 97) San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Resting place | Mission Burial Park North San Antonio, Texas |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Sidney Earl Cockrell Jr.
(m. 1941; died 1986) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Southern Methodist University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States NavyWAVES |
| Rank | Ensign |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Lila May Banks Cockrell (born January 19, 1922 – died August 29, 2019) was an important American politician. She served as the mayor of San Antonio, Texas, two different times. During World War II, she was part of the WAVES, which was a special branch for women in the United States Navy. Before becoming mayor, she was also a leader in groups like the League of Women Voters in the 1950s.
Political Career
After working on the city council for ten years, Lila Cockrell made history. In 1969, she became the city's first woman mayor Pro Tem. This means she was a temporary mayor.
In 1975, she was elected as the Mayor of San Antonio. She served four terms, each lasting two years. When she became mayor, San Antonio was the largest American city led by a woman. She is often seen as one of the first women elected mayor of a major city in the United States.
Her first three terms were from 1975 to 1981. She decided not to run for a fourth term then. This was because her husband, Sidney Earl Cockrell Jr., was ill. Henry Cisneros became mayor after her.
After her husband passed away in 1986, she ran for mayor again. She was elected for her fourth term in 1989. This happened after Henry Cisneros left office. Lila Cockrell was a member of the Republican Party.
Life After Politics
After she finished her time as mayor, Lila Cockrell continued to serve her community. She worked on many city committees and civic groups. In 2013, she retired from being the president of the San Antonio Parks Foundation. She had held that job since 1998.
On May 29, 2019, something surprising happened. Cockrell was not allowed to vote in the 2019 San Antonio mayoral election. This was because she did not have the right identification under Texas ID laws. Many people in San Antonio and even politicians like Pete Buttigieg were upset. They thought it was wrong that she could not vote. This event caused a big discussion about voter ID laws in Texas. However, on May 31, 2019, Lila Cockrell was able to cast her vote in the election.
Her Passing
Lila Cockrell's health got worse before she passed away. She died at 97 years old on August 29, 2019. She was receiving special care at her apartment in San Antonio, Texas.
On September 3, 2019, people could visit her at Mission Park Funeral Chapel North. A private memorial service and a public tribute were held on September 5, 2019. The public tribute took place at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. She was buried at Mission Burial Park North in San Antonio.
Honors and Legacy
- The Lila Cockrell Theatre is named in her honor. It is part of the Henry B. González Convention Center in Downtown San Antonio. Also, a meeting room right below the theatre is called the Mayor Cockrell Room.
- She was recognized for her achievements in 1984. She was added to the Texas Women's Hall of Fame.
- In May 2017, she received a special honorary degree. This was from St. Mary's University during their graduation ceremony.
See also
- Timeline of San Antonio, 1950s–1990s
