Odell Cobbs

Mr. Odell Cobbs was born on January 28, 1948, in St. George, SC to the late Joseph and Ruthie Mae Jamison Cobbs. When he was young, the family relocated to Clermont, Florida.  While in Clermont, Odell developed a love for football and became a budding athlete. He was known as an outstanding football player. When the family moved back to South Carolina, Odell remained in Clermont for an additional season, encouraged by his coach to continue playing the game he loved. Coach Poole even allowed Odell to stay with him and his family during this time.  Odell later joined his family in Walterboro and attended Colleton County High School, where he continued to excel on the football field—truly a force to be reckoned with.

Following his graduation in 1968, Odell moved to New York. During the Vietnam Conflict, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army, where he served honorably from August 1970 to November 1972.

After his military service, Odell divided his time between Walterboro and New York. While in New York, he became the proud father of his son, Ardell. His joy was undeniable—so much so that he made a special trip to South Carolina just to show off his baby boy. Eventually, Odell made Walterboro his permanent home, where he worked at Dayco, Besteel, and later at Brice Herndon Funeral Home.

Odell loved his family deeply.  He was a man of quiet strength and steady presence. Though soft-spoken in demeanor, his resilience and toughness were unmistakable. He was fiercely protective of those he loved and unwavering in his devotion to family. He played an integral role in helping to raise his nieces and nephews, offering guidance, support, and steadfast love. He poured into their lives with consistency and care. He was not only a part of the family—he was one of its pillars.

In a moment that surprised many, Odell announced that he was getting married. He was united in marriage to Pearl Memminger, but their time together was brief, as her passing came too soon. Later, he found love again and in 2003 married Dora Lee Green. Odell had a special love for children and embraced his role as a grandfather to Dora Lee’s grandchildren. He was also a strong and dependable presence in the lives of his great-nephews and niece—affectionately known as “the babysitter,” a role he carried with love and pride.

One of the most cherished moments of Odell’s life was the day he reunited with his son, Ardell, after many years apart. To embrace him, along with Kim and his grandchildren, brought him immeasurable joy. In that moment, his heart was full—his family was whole. It was a day of celebration and restoration, not just for Odell, but for the entire family.

Odell was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Joseph Cobbs, Jr. and Woodrow (Ethel) Cobbs; his sister, Rosa Bell Cobbs; and his first wife, Pearl Memminger Cobbs.

Though he has departed this life, Odell’s love remains a lasting and guiding presence in the lives of those he leaves behind. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Dora Lee Cobbs; his beloved son, Ardell Cobbs Garnett (Kimberley) of Queens, New York; and his loving sisters, Louise Edwards and Corrie Jerideau Cooper, both of Walterboro, South Carolina; his stepchildren Hillary (Alvin) Allen, Shemar Powell, and John Powell.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Fantasia Chatman Garnett, Javon Garnett, and Gail Garnett, all of New York, Shane Ardell Garnett of North Carolina, Allison Allen, Eron  “Bootsie” Overton, and Dajon Wilson.

Odell was a constant and loving presence in the lives of his nieces and nephews: Woodrow Cobbs Simpson, Adrienne Elaine (Eddie) Stokes, Marlon Cobbs, Dwayne (Cerea) Jerideau, Sherri LaKeshia Jerideau (Stanley) Jenkins, Randy Brown, Joan Simpson, Patricia Gomez, and Hazel Simpson.

He held a special place in his heart for his great-nieces and great-nephews—Tareek, Chandler, Aliyah, Noah, Seth, and Kyndel—loving them with the same quiet strength and fierce devotion that defined his life.

He is also survived by a special friend, Corrine Jenkins, along with a host of other relatives and dear friends.

While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well lived and a love that will not fade. He will be deeply missed, yet fondly remembered by all who knew him as our dear “Fat” and “Mr. O.”

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.