Helen Chapman Cobbs

Helen Chapman Cobbs, 84, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2008, at her home. She was born in Farmville, Va., on March 13, 1924, to John J. and Helen Chapman Cobbs. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Joe Chapman Cobbs and John (Jack) J. Cobbs Jr. A graduate of Jefferson High School and Longwood College, Ms. Cobbs was employed at Hollins College from 1945 until her retirement in 1986, during which time she served as secretary to the Dean of Women and to the President. She was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church for most of her life where she served as a Deacon and as a participant in the Women of the Church and her church circle. She was an active member of the Margaret Lynn Lewis Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A generous supporter of many charities, Miss Cobbs served as a volunteer for many organizations including First Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Community Center, and the History Museum of Western Virginia. She is survived by many family members and acquaintances, including her devoted friend, Nancy Smith, of Roanoke; and cousins, Kathy and Chris Tucker and Dr. Pat Tomelty, of Salem, Va., Tom Doughty, of Arlington, Va., William and Whitney Cobbs, of Danville, Va., Dr. Georgia Cobbs, of Missoula, Mont., William and Rita Cobbs, of Rural Retreat, Va., Adele (Hutch) Livingston, of Richmond, Va., and Sally Gant, of Winston-Salem, N.C. Miss Cobbs was much beloved by those who knew her for her delight in the people with whom she came in contact, her infectious smile, her positive outlook on life, her love of animals, and her devotion to her family and friends. She was the acknowledged authority on the history and genealogy of both her mother's and her father's families, and her hospitable home was the center of family gatherings for many years. A funeral service will be conducted 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Robert D. Smith and David Bridges officiating. The family will greet friends at a reception following the service, after which interment will take place at East Hill Cemetery, Salem, Va. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, Va., and to the Salem Museum and Historical Society. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2008, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.