Obituary: Verna Jeannette Cobia

On Friday, June 25, 2021, Verna Jeannette Cobia passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 90.

Verna was born on March 12, 1931, in Opp, Alabama. She moved to Winter Garden, Florida, when she was in grade school.

On May 6, 1951, she married the love of her life, Barnell “Larry” Cobia of Winter Garden. Verna and Larry were married for 52 years until his death on Aug. 16, 2003. In addition to raising their four sons, together they founded B.L. Cobia, Inc., a wholesale horticulture business where they bred hybrid plants and were awarded more than 40 U.S. and foreign plant patents.

Verna later worked at Dillard’s department store in the West Oaks Mall until she retired. She was an avid quilter, enjoyed floral decorating and volunteered at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum.

Verna attended First Baptist Church of Winter Garden.

She is survived by her sons, Michael, Roger, Mark and Richard; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Gotha, Florida, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider donations to Cornerstone Hospice or a charity of choice in lieu of flowers.