Obituary of Charlene Cossey

Charlene Cossey, age 85, passed away Thursday afternoon, November 30, 2017 with her son by her side. She was born March 6, 1932 in Lubbock, Texas to Marvin A. Payne and Clara Walters Payne. Shortly after turning 20, she married the love of her life, E.C. "Abe" Cossey in Yuma, Arizona. Abe's children were three, four, and five years old and she raised them from that day forward, with a Mother's Love, as her own. Between children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren, no child was ever turned away. Charlene and Abe celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary shortly before he passed away in April, 2000.

Mrs. Cossey was quite active and enjoyed "working in the peaches" at Efurd Orchards here in Pittsburg, Texas. Charlene was always on the go and enjoyed walking so much that when she lived on Old Gilmer Highway she would walk South to the Pine community and back to her house. Frequently outpacing her walking partners, Charlene would often begin a new walking adventure as soon as the previous excursion had been completed. She had a welcoming presence and a giving heart; Ms. Charlene was a ray of sun shine and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by a son: Elzie Calvin "Cal" Cossey of Mount Pleasant, Texas; two daughters: Elene Ruth Cossey Miles of Denver, Colorado and Loura Louise Cossey Lee of Amarillo, Texas; four brothers - all of Arizona; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents: Marvin and Clara Walters Payne; her husband: E.C. "Abe" Cossey; two brothers and three sisters.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Crossroads Cemetery, South of Pittsburg, TX. Visitation with friends will be Monday, December 4, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Erman Smith Funeral Home in Pittsburg, Texas.