Ruth Cosby

On January 28, 1926, Ruth Pearline Whiting Cosby was the third child born of nine children to the late Jesse G. Whiting and Ruby Cook Whiting in Gloucester Couty, VA.  Affectionately known as “Mom Ruth”, she enjoyed family and readily accepted all to be her extended family.

Her childhood was filled with love, laughter and hard work. During her childhood she attended Purton, Bethel and Gloucester Training schools located in Gloucester County.  As an adult she moved to New York, later returning home where most of her employment was in domestic housekeeping and cooking. 

Mom Ruth was married to the late James Franklin Cosby for more than fifty years. From this blessed union one daughter was born, Marlene Rebecca Cosby. She was loved and was devoted also to her granddaughter, Lamika.

At an early age Mom Ruth started her spiritual journey at Morning Glory Baptist Church, Woods Cross Roads, VA, where she joined and was baptized.  After marriage she moved her membership and joined her husband at Union Zion Baptist Church, Ware Neck, VA.  She believed that a “family that prays together, stays together”.  She worked on numerous committees and ministries and served as a Deaconess for many years. Also, her volunteer service included working with the Heart Fund, Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and other organizations.

On September 23, 2023, the Gloucester Union Relief Association (GURA) Youth Committee did a tribute to the over 90-year-old Kings and Queens. Deaconess Cosby was one of the recipients recognized as a beautiful queen.

At age ninety-eight and a short battle with cancer, Deaconess Cosby departed this life on August 29, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse G. Whiting and Ruby Cook Whiting; husband, James F. Cosby; brothers: Jesse, Boyd and Ernest Whiting; sisters: Thelma Green and Estelle Whiting.  She leaves to cherish her memory her faithful daughter, Deacon Marlene Cosby Jackson (Reverend Lewis W. Jackson); granddaughter, Lamika Marshea Payne; two brothers: Charlie Whiting and Alfred Raymond Whiting (Janie); sister, Marie Jones; nieces, nephews, cousins and a large extended family.

A Celebration of Life for Ruth Cosby will be held on Friday, September 6 at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of the Union Zion Baptist Church, 6154 Ware Neck Road, Gloucester, Virginia. 

Interment will follow in the Pole Bridge Cemetery.

The viewing will be on Friday, September 6 from 11AM until service time at Union Zion Baptist Church.

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