Gladys Sparrow Cobb

Gladys Sparrow Cobb, age, 103, passed away on January 24, 2016 after a long, happy life. She was born Gladys Marie Sparrow on August 9, 1912 to Isaac J. and Idell Causey Sparrow in Kinston, NC, the oldest child and only daughter. At age 6, Gladys lost her mother and went to live with her Aunt Lillie Phillips for an extended period. She returned home to care for her brothers, Jay, Charles, and Rotchie, and for her half-brothers Elree and Claywood. On April 17, 1937, Gladys married Alton Cobb, the love of her life. Altons job as a farm manager meant the couple relocated to Elkin in Surry County, where their children were born in 1939 and 1942. In 1944, the couple moved to Battleboro, NC, where Alton worked as a farm manager for M.C. Braswell for 30 years. Alton became very involved in the community, serving as a town commissioner from 1956-1969 and then as mayor of Battleboro from 1969 until his death in 1984. The Cobbs loved to dance, attending many social events at the Rocky Mount Elks Lodge. Many remember the dances the Cobbs used to host in the room above their garage. Gladys worked at Peoples Bank in Battleboro until her retirement in 1975. Retirement did not slow Gladys down, as she became active in the Rocky Mount Garden Club and in many local bridge circles. She also helped found the Battleboro Lioness Club and served as its first president. She was also active in the Rocky Mount Elks Lodge and in Battleboro United Methodist Church, particularly the United Methodist Women. Gladys was a people person. She was widely known for her kindness, her generosity, and her friendliness. This led to her exemplary life of service to her family, to the organizations to which she belonged, and to her many friends and loved ones. Gladys was a remarkable cook, known for her cheese straws, pecan tarts, and her fruitcakes. A longstanding tradition was the distribution of Christmas boxes filled with homemade goodies to her many friends. Gladys drafted her grandchildren in to helping with the tradition when they were old enough to help, with the making, the delivery - or both. Gladys loved to travel, taking her children and grandchildren on many vacations and on trips to Farm Managers meetings. She accompanied her husband on many big trips to the League of Municipalities meetings across the country. She and Alton went to Hawaii and Acalpulco with a group of friends, but her biggest adventure was to see her son Parks in Hong Kong in 1998 at the age of 86 with her dear friend Betty Reierson. Gladys loved to garden and kept the yard of her Battleboro home immaculate. Her pride and joy was a rock garden she and dear friend Elmo Boswell designed. Elmos touch could also be felt throughout the Cobb home. Gladys had a special group of friends in the Battleboro community, all of whom she survived. In 2005, at the age of 92, Gladys moved to Tarboro, to the Fountains at the Albemarle. Her weekly bridge games continued. Gladys made many friends at her new home and especially loved her caregivers. She loved her adopted home church of St. James United Methodist Church, attending every Sunday while her health allowed. She rarely missed a special event at her home church in Battleboro. In 2012, Gladys moved to Parkwood Village in Wilson, where she was loved and adored by many caregivers, who took excellent care of her. “Remarkable” is the word many use to describe Gladys as she endured many challenges throughout her life with amazing resilience and grace. She raised her brothers, her children, and her grandchildren, cared for her husband and daughter, whose health declined, and maintained a home. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, and many treasured family members and friends. Her greatest losses were her beloved Alton in 1984 and her daughter Judith Cobb Mehle in 2013. She is survived by her son, Alton Parks Cobb, Jr. and his wife Kitty of Seven Lakes, NC; granddaughter Anna Cobb Lascelles, husband Mark, and great-grandson Jake Lascelles of Kent, England; grandson Paul Mehle, his wife Elaine, and great-grandson Matthew Mehle of Rocky Mount; and granddaughter Carole Mehle of Rocky Mount. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Battleboro United Methodist Church, 229 E. Battleboro Ave., Rocky Mount, with Pastor Patrick Sinclair officiating. Burial will follow at Battleboro Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gladyss name to Battleboro United Methodist Church, 229 E. Battleboro Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27809. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 1/28, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Service Battleboro United Methodist Church 229 E. Battleboro Ave. Battleboro, NC 27809 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-442-9260 --> | Friday 1/29, 11:00 am Cemetery Battleboro Cemetery 408 W. Battleboro Road Battleboro, NC 27809