On Tuesday, January 21st, 2025, at 6 pm, family and friends gathered at Christ The King Baptist Church for a Farewell Celebration in honor of the late Edward L. Cobb. All needed solace to come together, share memories, and bid a fond farewell to Brother Cobb. His burial Interment Ceremony preceded the following day on Wednesday morning, January 22nd, 2025, and his remains now dwell in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Center, 21731 Spring St., in Union Grove, WI.
Minister Daphne Johnson’s facilitation was needed to keep everyone in concert with the program, a cornerstone of the late Edward L. Cobb’s Farewell Celebration, infusing the event with a profound and moving experience.
The Sanctuary Choir, led by Sister Irene Hamdlin, Brother Keith Lawson, musicians, and choir directors Sister Meta and Sister Dee, played a pivotal role in the Celebration. Their harmonious melodies filled the church, fostering a profound sense of unity and harmony. Brother Lawson’s lead solo and songs like ‘When We All Get To Heaven’ and ‘I’ll Fly Away’ further connected all in this moment of remembrance and celebration.
Reading of the Word by Rev. Judy Amos
Psalm 91: 1-4 Old Testament
New Testament: John 5: 24-26
Reading of the Obituary
Here is a recap of his Farewell Celebration, including the testimonies that gave the parishioners solace. Those unable to attend the Farewell Fellowship or partake of the scrumptious food thereafter.
Remembrance
Christain Service from Pastor Rev. Oscar Elim.
“Kenneth Bottom made us prayer partners. We had prayer parties.” Scripture, 2nd Corinthian 5:1. I’m not here to say Goodbye, just so long.”
“Romans 38:34.”
He was my prayer partner and my eternal friend. One day, we will meet again in New Jerusalem.
Friend-Gil Sublett
They spoke on the phone a lot.
Cobbs’s words: “Gil, you pray for me, and I’ll pray for you.” Gil asked Cobbs a lot about his health, and he responded, “Talk to my wife. She knows how I’m doing. I don’t take care of stuff like that.” This was the last time I had a conversation with my friend.
Sublett added, “Eddie accepted Christ early and never deviated from it. Eddie took me with him. I would throw the football and get knocked down. Eddie said, “You are not O.J. Simpson or Walter Payton. Could you give me the ball?” Eddie got the yards and lost.
Sublett admitted, “I always started altercations and fights. It lasted a few minutes. Eddie had to rescue me. One time, someone busted his lip after a fight. He told me, “You lost 20 fights and didn’t last one minute. You’re not Mohammad ALI. You got to stop.”
Heartfelt Sublett said, “He never left me on the football field. He picked me up, and He never left me in Christ. He took me and stayed with me during trials and tribulations. I went to Eddie, and I went to his wife. He stayed with me as a friend and then went to be with the Lord. My friend walked with me.
Sublett encouraged the despondent congregation, “Permit yourself to grieve. We all grieve differently. You’re going to carry a cross. Our prayers and the church’s prayers as you carry that cross, your prayers, your faith, will raise you to the Lord, and the cross will be higher.” He loved all his children. Niko, he loved you so much.”
Family-Rashawn Cobb
“My Dad was the most important person. I am thankful. You have to know the Lord. I thank God that He saved my family. He saved me. I’m glad the Lord chose me and my family. I’m super thankful for it. Continue to grow in the Lord.”
Acknowledgments and Resolutions from others, along with Christ The King Baptist Church, by Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., from John 11:25. His Words from afar comforted parishioners in knowing that Edward L. Cobb is in a better place with the Lord Jesus Christ. They, too, can experience the same joy Edward L. Cobb experienced through his trials, tribulations, and triumphs.
Reiteration, The Message by Executive Pastor., Rev. Treyvon J. Sinclair
Revelation 2:10, The Church of Smyrna. Executive Pastor Sinclair’s message was “Good to the Last Drop.”
“Nothing is lost when we know where it is,” Sinclair encouraged the parishioners to cheer up. He began his message after Sinclair spoke on Cobb’s acceptable attire, including his correspondence hat with every outfit, fine linen, and stylish shoes.
As he started his message, Maxwell Coffee is pleasing to the last drop, compared to Edward L. Cobb. “Cobb loved his wife and children, giving to others, and he gave it all he had until the last drop. Cobb did the following:
Endure Adversity
The Devil will trap you in a prison. You will be tried and persecuted. You will endure hardships, but there is a time limit. It will only last for 10 days.
Embody Consistency
Be Full of Faith
Ed taught us how to be consistent. Go all the way to the end. His faithfulness unto the church, going to Sunday School-being a learner.
Enjoy Eternity
Be now Faithful Unto Death
Reunion- Writer’s Note
As I put the flowers in the Fellowship Fall for the family, a lady remembered me from our online Sunday School classes during COVID-19. She said, “Hi, Ms. Jude.” I looked in amazement. “You were online with me during Covid for Sunday School. You always participated and asked to pray for your students. I can’t forget you. I complimented her on her great memory, and she said, “You ain’t thinking about me.” LOL
I saw wise Brother Erick Owens, son, Pallbearer, and his lovely wife, Sister Candace. They were online with us for Sunday School during COVID-19, and even though they went to a different church, they still came to Christ The King Baptist Church for Sunday School, and both gave excellent comments in class. Their wisdom impacted all of us. After COVID-19 was over and classes resumed, immediately after their worship service, both humble Erick and his sweet wife continued to partake in our weekly Sunday School Classes for many months before they stopped attending. I remember the last time I taught Sunday School, subbing for the late Rev. Brenda Sheets. I asked Brother Erick to pray us out, and he did it eloquently, humbly, and peacefully.
Even though the Remembrance, Reiteration, and Reunion are over, silent tears and jumping thoughts are still wavering in the minds of friends and families. Please continue to pray for his dutiful wife of 29 years, Sister. Dolores (Owens) Cobb; six loving children, Derick Cobb and Dennine Smith of Mesquite, Texas; Erick (Candace) Owens of Milwaukee, WI, Niko Owens of Milwaukee, WI; Tanya (Recoe) Gant of Lugoff, SC, and Rashawn Cobb of Augusta, GA.
The deceased leaves behind a legacy of [15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren], a testament to the love and life they shared. Siblings Ronald Raulston of Burton, MI, Keith Cobb, Robbie Cobb-Byrd, and Vanessa Cobb of Flint, MI., Vickie Cobb-Woodyard and Jennifer McCoy of Atlanta, GA, and Carolyn Johnson of Chicago, IL; Goddaughter, Tanya Wade and God grandson, Jordan; special friends, Pete Sorce and Gil Sublett, and a host of friends and family.
To sum up, Brother Eddie said it best.
Reporter Jude 