Evelyn Cobb

In everything she did, it is easy to see that Evelyn Cobb’s passion was to glorify and honor the Lord she loved. She was a gracious and kindhearted woman who was loving and compassionate toward everyone she met. A devoted wife, Evelyn exemplified what it means to be a helpmate in the way she supported her husband in everything he did. Together they experienced so many of the amazing things that life has to offer. She was also a devoted mother who was thrilled beyond measure to witness her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought such joy to her life. Life will never be the same without Evelyn here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

The 1920s were an exciting time in America and the days were filled with great prosperity until the crash of the stock market in October of 1929. That historic day ushered in the dark days of the Great Depression that covered our nation and much of the world throughout the entire decade of the 1930s. It was just prior to that historic day in 1929 that Gordon and Reba (Farnsworth) Barnhart were filled with great anticipation as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the calendar turned to welcome in July of that year. Their wait was over on July 16th when the baby girl they named Evelyn Jeanne made her arrival. She had two siblings, Max and Shirley, and she experienced a childhood that was fairly typical for the youth of her generation. Evelyn’s father worked for Dow in Midland while her mother was a nurse. She attended a church in the country and also attended local schools. After graduating from Midland High School in 1946, Evelyn went on to Olivet Nazarene University for a couple of years.

Not to be forgotten during her years as a young woman was Evelyn’s introduction to the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Allen Cobb, and they met in Midland when he was driving the Sunday school bus. They got to know one another over time and fell deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Evelyn and Allen were married on her birthday July 16, 1948, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span nearly 68 years. Together they welcomed three children including Ruth Ann, Raymond, and Duane into their hearts and home.

Evelyn took great pride in caring for her family and serving within her church. She was the consummate minister’s wife, and together she and Allen spent 42 years ministering together for the Church of the Nazarene across the state of Michigan. Evelyn served the church in a variety of ways including as a Sunday school teacher and also teaching during vacation Bible school, she also played the piano and organ, sang, and directed choirs. She loved just being part of her church and giving of her time in whatever way was needed. Cooking for her family was one of Evelyn's passions. Everything she cooked was fantastic, it has been said that she perfected the roast beef Sunday dinner. It has also been said that Evelyn’s apple and pumpkin pies were truly the best. She was delighted to become a grandmother later in life, and savored every moment that she had to spend with her grandchildren. Evelyn especially loved reading to her grandchildren.

Throughout her life Evelyn remained active and was a woman of many interests. She loved going up to Northern Michigan on a color tour, but she also loved just being home. Evelyn enjoyed crocheting baby blankets and doing both crossword and jigsaw puzzles. For years she was part of the District Missionary Society and was also on the Missionary Council for years. Evelyn’s faith was always a cornerstone, and her favorite passage of the Bible was Isaiah 55. During their retirement years, they enjoyed winters in Lakeland, Florida for 15 years while also serving at the Lakeland Holiness Camp. They also moved to the home they built at the Indian Lake Nazarene Campground. Building their home was a pretty big blessing in their life.

In everything she did, Evelyn Cobb lived to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. She was never overbearing or boisterous in her faith, rather, she was a witness for Him through the life she lived each day. Evelyn was quiet and strong with a sweet disposition and a love for others that was clearly visible. Blessed to spend the majority of her life alongside her true love, she treasured her family. Although she will be deeply missed, Evelyn’s family finds comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home.

Evelyn Jeanne (Barnhart) Cobb died on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. Evelyn’s family includes her husband, Allen E Cobb; children, Ruth Ann Brunsting of Chandler, AZ; Raymond (Denise) Cobb of Bay City; and Duane (Kim) Cobb of Watervliet; grandchildren, Kristin (Todd) Grathouse of Columbus, OH; Jamie Burbank of Chandler, AZ; Sara Cobb of Bay City; Rebecca Cobb of Bay City; Chrissy (Matthew) Geiger of Chicago; Greg Cobb of Nashville, TN; Michael (Melissa) Cobb of Crest Hill, IL; and 10 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 4-7 p.m. at Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, 7520 East U Ave Vicksburg. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11a.m. at the church with additional visiting being at 10AM. Please visit Evelyn’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook and share a photo and/or memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene. The family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St, Vicksburg, 269-649-1697).