Brenda Cobbs

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Brenda Cobbs of Mounds passed away at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016, at her home, surrounded by those she loved and who loved her.

Survivors include a brother, James A. (Marilyn) Cobbs; nephews Kris Bagbey, Jeremiah Cobbs and Jerry Gunn; nieces Jackie Moore, Ashley Cobbs and Deanna Cobbs; cousins Lorna Annison, Joyce Beardon and Steve Essex; special cousin W.C. Essex; and special daughter Rita Schoffner.

In addition to family, Brenda is survived by all the wonderful students she taught at Meridian School, her Shiloh Church family, Bucher Road neighbors, the "Golden Girls," the "Steel Magnolias," Beta Sigma Phi Sisters and a host of wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth Cobbs; her sisters, Claudis (Jack) Gunn, Effie (Bill) Bagbey and Queenie Cobbs; and cousins Emetta Lafitte, Donnie Essex and Susan Essex.

Ms. Cobbs received her B.A. from Murray State University; her M.A. from Southeast Missouri State University; and post-graduate work at Southern Illinois University.

Brenda taught in the Meridian School District for 37 years. After retirement, she was a state consultant for Harcourt Publishing Co. and worked as a reading coach for Meridian High School.

She was an active 4-H member and leader. She was a member of the following: Mounds Library Board, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Shiloh Baptist Church and many other civic organizations.

Brenda was a beloved teacher and mentor who always went the extra mile for her students and co-workers.

She loved the Lord and lived her faith each day.

Brenda helped take care of many elderly friends. She took them to appointments, meetings and church, even during her illness.

Brenda was truly an angel on Earth who ministered to all those in Pulaski County.

Friends may call between 4 and 7 p.m. Monday at Shiloh Baptist Church in Villa Ridge, Illinois.

The funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with pastor Larry Miller, the Rev. Guy Inman and Charles Martin officiating. Interment will be in Shiloh Cemetery at Villa Ridge.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of memorials to Shiloh Baptist Church or to the Mounds Library in memory of Brenda Cobbs.

To leave online condolences, visit jones-funeral.com.

Jones Funeral Home Villa Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.