Loretta Johnson Cobbs

Loretta Johnson Cobbs, age 75, departed this life on Friday, May 10, 2019, at Heritage Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Blacksburg, Virginia. The oldest of three children, Loretta was born February 7, 1944, at Radford Community Hospital to the late James T. Johnson, Sr. and Helen Alexander Johnson Mills. She was baptized at an early age and joined Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church.
Loretta received her early education at Hill School and Friends Elementary School where she excelled academically and graduated as salutatorian of her class. In 1962, after graduating from Christiansburg Industrial Institute, she enrolled at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) and majored in Elementary Education. Loretta later moved back to Christiansburg where she taught Head Start classes in the New River Valley Community Action Program. She relocated to Richmond, Virginia and dedicated over 10 years of service as an Accounting Clerk to First and Merchants Bank.
Loretta resumed her studies at Virginia State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Individualized Studies on May 21, 1989. She continued her pursuit of knowledge by taking post graduate classes at Virginia Commonwealth University, Radford University and Virginia Tech.
Loretta was an avid reader and writer. She enjoyed writing letters and poetry. Although she was especially proud of the poems she crafted, "Ripples" by Verle Bell was her favorite. Reading and writing were enjoyable pastimes; however, spending time with family and friends brought her the greatest joy. Loretta, who had an outgoing personality, never met a stranger. She had a kind and generous heart, sharing with others and remembering birthdays and holidays with cards and monetary gifts. Growing up, Loretta helped at home with cooking, cleaning and taking care of her younger brothers just like a second mother.
In addition to her parents, Loretta was preceded in death by her younger brother, Donald L. Johnson. She is survived by brother, James T. Johnson (Joyce) of Richmond, VA; sister-in-law, Rhonda Coles Johnson of Roanoke, VA; two nieces, Keira A. Johnson and Kyla J. Coleman of Richmond, VA; nephews, Shakir Johnson of Hampton, VA and Shawn Johnson of Roaoke, VA; three great-nephews, Macari, Kaiden, and Kyrie of Richmond, VA; a host of cousins, among them, Clintona Hare, Toby Jackson, Frederick Middleton (Jacqueline), Gilbert Pride (Mary), Ruth Allen, George Waters (Phyllis), Raymond Waters, Minnie Shorter, Izetta Thompson, Robert Alexander, David Alexander, Margaret Carter, Leroy Alexander, Jr., and Lucy Rand; ex-spouse, Frank Cobbs; other relatives and lifelong friends, including two devoted friends, Carol Lester and Erma Jones.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Heritage Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for the compassionate care they provided to Loretta. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date.