Delena "Dena" J. Cobb, age 87, of Rockford, Illinois went to be with her Lord, loving husband and son on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 27, 1937 in Lilbourne, Missouri, the daughter of Rev. V.V. and Lena (Brock) Haggard. She was a preacher's daughter who uplifted her faith from an early age. Dena married her sweetheart, William Hairl Cobb, Sr., on March 27, 1954 in Hernando, Mississippi. She was a devoted member of Firstborn Ministries, where she played piano and led the choir for the church school. Dena was a praise team member and did skits in the church plays. She worked at Sunset Funeral Home as an assistant for over 8 years, greeting and loving on families. She taught herself to play the piano on a piano she found in an old barn on the farm that she lived on. Dena loved singing and playing the piano with her husband. Dena and Bill traveled with the Smitty Gatlin Trio, singing Southern Gospel. She was a dedicated piano teacher. Dena enjoyed watching and reading mysteries. She loved telling a good joke and scary stories to her grandchildren. Dena was a fashionable lady and wore high heels up until 6 months ago. She was proud of her home and always kept it very tidy. Dena was the matriarch of our family and will be deeply missed.
Dena is loved and missed by her daughters, Radonna (Tim) Oakley and Deborah (Tim) Kast, son, Ethan (Megan) Cobb, daughter-in-law, Deanna Cobb, grandchildren, Will (Stephanie), Jake, Katy (Brandon), Holly, Hayley, Johnny, Mikey, great-grandchildren, Liam and Saoirse, numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, son Hairl, Jr, siblings, G.W. Haggard, Dorothy Evans, Juanita Thompson, Maxine Haggard, Billy Wayne Haggard and Eugene Haggard.
