Mrs. Annie Lee Cogborn

Annie Lee Cogborn made her earthly departure to be in the presence of the Lord on January 7, 2025, suddenly at Cleveland Clinic in Avon, Ohio. Annie was the 1st daughter of Albert and Elizabeth Smith born on February 21, 1933, in Tyler, Alabama. The Smith family moved from Alabama to Jenkins, Kentucky and in October of 1947 the Family permanently moved to Lorain, Ohio. Annie was the “only” African American student in Clearview High School’s 1951 graduating class, yet she still successfully graduated with Honors. Annie had a passion for serving others! Her service always included Humility, Grace, Efficiency, and Excellence. Notably from her service, she received a fully paid Nursing Education from her employer. Annie, being part of one of the first classes at St. Joseph’s School of Practical Nursing in Lorain, Ohio completed all school requirements and graduated in 1955. On December 21, 1956, she married the Love of her Life, Hollis Cogborn. What a beautiful story!!!! She spoke with a smile telling how she met and courted Hollis. Happily, to this union was born a son, Micheal Hollis Cogborn. While in Detroit she excelled as an LPN holding unique positions; Charge Nurse on the Pediatric Unit, the trauma team at Southwest General Hospital. Annie did not just stop at the hospital, her work extended to her community working with ﬁreﬁghters by performing physicals and assisting in outpatient labs. Retiring in 1990, Annie extended her nursing skills as caregiver to various members of the Cogborn and Smith families with love and excellence. Annie was a born-again follower of Jesus Christ at an early age. A highly active member of the Apostolic Church of the Living God; in Lorain, Ohio, where she served in HYPU Auxiliary, Sunday School, as well as secretary for many National Church Ofﬁces. In Detroit, MI, she was a faithful member of John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church. She diligently served in many capacities; Especially a Proud choir member! After moving to Troy, Alabama she was a devoted member of Pleasant Grove C.M.E. Church. She served as President of Stewardess Board for 20 years. She initiated and was Chairperson of May Rally, our Annual Fundraiser. Annie was a member of the Sunday School. She served gracefully as Mother of the Church. In Detroit, the Cogborn house resembled an elegant full-service hotel where usually the family gatherings took place for dinners, and unforgettable barbecues. Annie was an immaculate housekeeper, gracious host as well as an excellent cook. She rose early to serve a hearty country breakfast. Dinner would include her famous fried corn, greens, cabbage, okra, usually fresh from their garden, and of course, dessert was included. She enjoyed church fellowship, visiting with family and friends, and traveling. In her later years, she enjoyed watching her football teams and the Game Show Network and talking on the phone with so many people memorizing many of their numbers even at the age of 91. Many people say they were so privileged to have known such an Irreplaceable Great Woman! Annie served God as well as others faithfully without complaining despite tragic loss, and intense heartaches. She gained strength moving forward, often repeating “The Serenity Prayer.” Preceding her in death is her husband of 56 years Hollis Cogborn, Her son Micheal Hollis Cogborn. Her parents Albert and Elizabeth Smith. Three brothers John Adams, Joe Smith, and Albert Smith Jr. Three sisters Ruth Pugh, Jewel Carlton, Petronilla Thomas Nazario. Annie leaves to cherish her memory: her stepmother Doris Smith. Beloved siblings: two sisters Alberta Francis, of Lorain OH, and Gladys Taylor, of Columbus OH, two brothers: Shawn Smith and Ondrakus (Robin) Smith of Detroit MI. Loving brother and sister-in-loves.... a great host of nieces and nephews in the Smith and Cogborn Families to the 3rd and 4th generations, and an innumerable number of special friends and relatives that loved her dearly.

Mrs. Annie Lee Cogborn

February 21, 1933 - January 7, 2025