Rosina Traneva Coburn

After a long bout with recurring cancer and a year of dialysis, Rosina passed away in Dallas, Texas, on April 8, 2026, at the age of 82. Ted Coburn, her thoughtful and considerate nephew, was with her day and night during her last days.

Rosina was born in Raleigh, NC, to Rufus T Coburn Jr. and Venora Dunn Coburn. She was the older sister of Rufus and Richard. Rosina poured her love into Rufus’s and Richard’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She graduated with honors from Raleigh’s Needham Broughton High School in 1962. She went on to attend North Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1966. Years later, she furthered her formal education by obtaining an MBA from the University of Dallas.

In 1966, Rosina traveled to Dallas and began training as a flight attendant with American Airlines. What started as a new and exciting opportunity evolved into a remarkable career spanning over 40 years. She made Dallas her permanent home and traveled the world, flying to destinations across Europe, Japan, and Australia. She embraced the diverse cultures she encountered, carrying those experiences with her throughout her life.

Rosina is remembered as bright, caring, and with a quick sense of humor. She cherished every child born into the Coburn family, always ready to welcome the next niece or nephew with open arms and a generous heart. After nephew Ted was born, she made frequent trips to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, once bringing him an American Airlines ride-on toy plane. Nathan, Ted’s younger brother, was born in California and was another recipient of her thoughtful gifts and affection. She spent hours and hours sitting on hard benches watching little league baseball. Terry, her brother Richard’s son, was born in Missouri, and Rosina made games in Arkansas to watch him play.

Rosina traveled throughout the US to attend graduations and weddings, never missing an opportunity to celebrate her family’s milestones. As each new generation arrived, she delighted in every chance to hug the little ones, kiss all the freckles, and shower them with gifts. Zachary’s birth in Dallas allowed her to be close by, while trips to Arkansas were required to spend time with Dillon, Maddie, and their children, Amelia and Brooks.

Anyone who knew Rosina knew her love for her cats, usually two black, friendly felines. Among her family pictures are framed photos of many of her former kitties.

Rosina loved gardening. One of her proudest projects was a magnolia tree she carefully transplanted from her brother’s home in Arkansas. While most people have grass in their front yards, Rosina chose instead to grow flowers, irises, and alyssum. No plant went without love—she tended to them as devotedly as she did her beloved cats.

Rosina was an avid lover of books; her library was overflowing into a hallway lined with boxes of fine literature and British mysteries. Even when she had to use a walker, she could skillfully negotiate the boxes of books.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rufus T. Coburn Jr., an attorney and land developer in Raleigh, North Carolina; her mother, Venora Dunn Coburn, a registered nurse and homemaker; her brother, Richard, and his wife Bobbi; and her nephew, Nathan Coburn.

She is survived by her brother, Rufus T. Coburn III, a retired USAF Colonel, his wife, Pat, their son, Ted, and grandson, Zachary. In Arkansas, she will be dearly missed by her nephew, Terry, and his wife, Mindy, their son Dillon, his wife Maddie, and their two children, Amelia and Brooks.

Services will be private and are being handled by Sparkman Funeral Home in Richardson, TX, and Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Raleigh, NC. Rosina will be laid to rest in May with her family in Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, NC.

Flowers or memorials may be sent to Sparkman Funeral Home or Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.