Sara "Penny" Head Cobb

Dr. Sara “Penny” Head Cobb died surrounded by family peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2018 in Long Beach MS at the age of 75. She suffered from Alzheimers for the past 12 years. Penny is survived by her husband of 54 years, David L. Cobb; children, Michelle Gipson (Walter), Melinda Dubuisson (Scott), Michael Cobb and Meredith Osborne (Billy); a sister, Betty McReynolds (Charlie); a brother, James A. Head, Jr; grandchildren, Amber (David) Shavers, Nick (Kristen) and Blake (Kaylee) Dubuisson, Emily and Sara Gipson, Lauren and Katie Cobb and Gabi Osborne; great grandchildren Christian and Ethan, all of Long Beach; former daughter-in-law Maria Martinez; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Helen Head and father James Abner Head Sr. of Gulfport and sister in law Janie Head of Long Beach. Penny was born on November 13, 1942 in Gulfport MS. to Helen and James Head Sr. She graduated from Gulfport High, attended LSU receiving her bachelor’s degree and received her Master’s in education from MS College. Penny received her PhD in school administration from USM. She met her future husband, law student David Cobb, while attending LSU. After moving to Jackson MS, Penny began her career in education as a teacher at the Pearl High School. They later moved to the MS Gulf coast where she resumed her career teaching for 25 years in the Long Beach School System. Penny later became the first female administrator serving as assistant principal in the Long Beach School System and after retirement, she served on the Long Beach School Board and was elected as President. Over the years, the couple welcomed four children into their home as David Cobb continues to practice law on the MS Coast. Penny was a kind hearted and generous individual who loved her family and who was passionate about education. She was an active and dedicated member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled Friday, January 19, 2018 at 12 noon at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Long Beach where friends may visit beginning at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow at the community center at St. Thomas. Father Cuthbert R. O’Connell will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Penny’s life. Interment will be at Biloxi National Cemetery on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial to Dr. Sara “Penny” Cobb Scholarship Fund care of Gulf Coast Community Foundation, 11975 Seaway Road, Suite B 150, Gulfport, MS 39503 . The family would like to thank caregivers Janet Ladner and Irma Shaw for their excellent care and dedication to Penny. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.