Shirley Jean "Portwood" Cobb

Shirley Jean Cobb, the daughter of Oscar and Geneva Portwood, was born on October 13,1952. She peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on September 25, 2025, at the age of 72.

Shirley received her education at Joe Parkinson High School in Caruthersville, Missouri. Following her graduation, she embarked on a journey of exploration and opportunity. She pursued higher education at Mississippi County Community College in Blytheville, Arkansas, where she earned a degree in Mental Health.

Subsequently, she was employed with the Brown Shoe Company and as a cook in the Caruthersville school district. She soon recognized that her true calling was working with children. With courage and determination, she established her own childcare venture, Cobb's Daycare, which quickly prospered, leading her income to exceed that of her previous full-time position. After considerable deliberation and heartfelt prayer, Shirley and her husband embarked on the rewarding journey of becoming licensed foster parents. Inspired by the positive impact that others had on her life, she sought to provide similar support to children in need. Together, Shirley and her husband forged a remarkable partnership in their foster parenting endeavors, characterized by their exceptional teamwork.

July 23, 1971, Shirley married her elementary school sweetheart, the love of her life, her very essence - pastor and confidant, Bishop Tommy Cobb. Their affection for one another was widely known within the community, and it was clear to all that they were meant to be together. She gracefully navigated the nuances of parenthood, marriages, and ministry including choir president, president of the missionary department, usher, church administration, wives' department, and mentor. Her successes include: PPC youth choir appeared with Bobby Jones, annual prayer breakfast, spearheaded the annual Easter and Christmas programs. Their former pastor prepared for them to succeed him upon his death. Shirley demonstrated a commitment to leadership and refraining from pursuing her own independent agenda. As leaders of PPC New Life Deliverance Temple in Caruthersville, Missouri, as they continued to pursue Christ their love for God and his people deepened. She endeavored to maintain harmony within her marriage and ministry which allowed her husband to assume the pastoral role and guide the church. She maintained a positive disposition with humility giving praise to God asking, "What shall I render unto the Lord?"

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Geneva Portwood; grandmother, Nannie Agnew Rodgers; sister, Arnita Ann Hopkins; great-grandson, Draylan Luster.

She is remembered fondly by her husband, Dr. Bishop Tommy Cobb of Caruthersville, MO, along with her five children, who she loved and adored, Tommy Lee Portwood of Blytheville, AR, Anthony Bernard (Tammy) Cobb of Memphis, TN, Monica Deborah Cobb of San Antonio, TX, Kerry Lamont (Belinda) Cobb of Caruthersville, MO, and Cambria Latreece' Cobb of St. Louis, MO. She is also mourned by her sisters, Marilyn (Danny) Coleman of St. Louis, MO, Patton Isable of Caruthersville, MO, Lillie Lowe of Texas, and brother, Curtis Rodgers of Oklahoma City; Among those whom she cherished as special sisters are Mother Birdie Stone, Mother Mary Thomas, Mother Willie Mae Taylor, First Lady Margaret Mayberry, Michelle Hawthorne, and Gladys Cobb. Additionally, she is survived by numerous grandchildren, extended family members, her church community, and dear friends.

From an early age, Shirley cultivated her trust in God by reading the scriptures to her grandparents. Shirley possessed a vibrant spirit and held a deep commitment to prayer, fasting, and expressing gratitude to God. She found joy in listening to gospel music, studying her Bible, and caring for her husband. We are of utmost confident and comforted, knowing she has received her eternal reward with our Lord.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Pentecostal Power Church in Caruthersville, Missouri. Interment to follow at Morgan Ridge Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.