On September 21, 1942, Sarah Bertha Cobey was born to the late Nellie E. Tibbs and the late James Oliver Tibbs in Charles County, Maryland.

Sarah was a lifelong resident of Charles County, educated in the school systems and graduated from Pomonkey High School in 1959. After graduating, she met James E. Cobey and on June 7, 1962 they were joined in Holy Matrimony. Out of this union, Cecelia, Terry, Mona Lisa, Sarah and (late) James, Jr. were born.

At a very young age, Sarah gave her life to Christ and her biggest aspiration was to preach the word of God, studying to show herself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth. As part of her mission to evangelize, twice a week she would visit the sick and shut-in at the Charles County Nursing Home. Evangelist Sarah would also be called upon to sing on some occasions, using her strong voice to lift up praises to the Lord.

Among the many pleasures life provided, she enjoyed baking, especially strawberry shortcakes, sewing, fishing on the Potomac River with her beloved husband of 48 years, James, Sr., and then bringing the fish they caught home to cook for her family. Family came first. Sarah truly enjoyed their company, especially during special holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was a very strong woman and fiercely protective over her children.

Sarah lived a full and useful life. Her family was blessed to have had her for 68 years because life is a temporary assignment. On Monday, May 2, 2011, God called her work here complete.

In addition to her parents and son, James, Jr., Sarah joins in glory her son-in-law, Patrick, brothers, George, Warren and James Tibbs, sisters, Rachael Tibbs and Louise Gray.

In addition to her husband, James Sr., left to cherish many memories are her children Cecelia Shorter and husband Peter, Terry Johnson and husband Pete, Mona Lisa Shorter, Sarah Love and husband Charles; grandchildren, Demetric, Damian, Patrick and Whitley Shorter, Wesley and Terrell Johnson; great-grandchildren, DE'Angelo and Khloe Chenette, DaKhari Shorter, brothers; Gilbert, Frank and Harry; sisters, Catherine Tibbs, Mary Johnson, and Gertrude Tibbs and also surviving are a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many other relatives and friends.

Her viewing will be held on Saturday, May 7th, 9am until time of services 11am, Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 11220 Holly Spring Road, Nanjemoy, MD 20662. Interment, Church Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.