Cochineal A. Cobbs

Cochineal Alexander Cobbs was born on June 2nd, 1921 in Philomath, Georgia, to Carrie Belle Smith, who preceded her in death in 1993. Cochineal, affectionately known as “Cochie” was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended elementary school. She, along with her younger brother, William (Willie) Alexander, spent the summers on the family farm in Philomath with their maternal grandmother, Maria Smith, and other family members. Willie preceded Cochineal in death in 1996. At the age of 13, Cochineal, along with her mother, brother, and other family members joined the Great Migration and moved from Georgia to Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Detroit's Northwestern High School and went to college at Lewis College of Business, Wayne State University, and Wayne Community College. Cochineal was devoted to advancing herself academically and overcame many challenges to further her education. She greatly influenced and supported her daughters and grandchildren to achieve their professional dreams. Cochineal worked for many years as an administrative assistant in different settings, including dental and law offices, as well as for the United States Federal Government. She was politically astute and loved to talk politics. Always deeply religious, she converted to Catholicism before she married. She faithfully attended mass and brought her faith into her daily life. In her spare time, she loved to travel, read books and watch movies and television, especially the old classics. Cochineal loved nature. The gardens she cultivated were quiet and beautiful sanctuaries admired by all. Cochineal was often found sharing stories from her childhood as well as passing down family stories and wisdom. Her quick wit and sense of humor were captivating. Her infectious laughter brought joy to her surroundings. Cochineal's greatest devotion was to her family. She was best known for being loving, generous, and endlessly supportive. In 1958, she married Peter Price Cobbs, Jr., her husband of 53 years. Cochineal was the proud mother of three daughters that she leaves behind to cherish her memories: Carolyn B. Abney(Douglas), Mary Beth Cobbs (Jerry Sr.) and Gabrielle Maria Cobbs (Prentice). She also had four grandchildren, Anthony Neal Abney, Adrienne Lynette Dillard (Alics), Jerry Hamlett, Jr. and Edan Alexander Zinn. She leaves behind two nieces, Barbara Henderson and Karen Lindsay, along with a host of extended family members and friends.