Jo Ann Ray Cobo

Mrs. Jo Ann R. Cobo, age 91, of Washington Highway, Elberton, wife of the late Max J. Cobo, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Elbert Memorial Hospital. She passed away after suffering a heart attack on the previous Tuesday. 

Born in Elberton on October 1, 1933, Betty Jo Ann Ray was a daughter of the late Claude Elbert Ray, Sr. and Eula Boswell Ray, and step-daughter of the late Frances Irene Gaines Ray. She was a graduate of Elberton High School. Jo Ann worked in the insurance department at the Elberton Granite Association as well as at Elbert Memorial Hospital, retiring from the emergency department as an admissions clerk. She also worked as the bookkeeper for the family business, Cobo Auto Sales. 

Jo Ann was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Elberton and supported the church faithfully. She was an avid gardener who loved working in her flower gardens. Her favorite pastime was spoiling and playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jo Ann was an avid sports fan, with a special love of the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs. Even while sick, she enjoyed watching every minute of the UGA vs. Texas Longhorns game on Saturday, and rejoiced with a 30-15 victory for her beloved Bulldogs. 

She was devoted to her family and was the best “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Surviving are her sons: Carey Michael Cobo and Donald Steven “Donnie” Cobo (Jackie), all of Elberton; grandchildren: Christa Michelle Cobo of Athens, Ryan Maxwell Cobo (Katie) of Thomson, and Justin Daniel Cobo (Jessica) of Macon; great-grandchildren: Remington Kathryn Cobo, Maxwell Thomas Cobo, and Oliver William Cobo; sister, Linda Hawkins of Elberton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to her parents and Max, her husband of 69 years and sweetheart of 75 years, she is preceded in death by her siblings: Annette Gaines, Doris Hudson, Henry Doyle Ray, Hazel Dean, Claude Ray, Jr., Norman Ray, Joyce Wilson, and David Ray. 

The family is at the home of Donnie and Jackie Cobo, 1071 Ruckersville Road, Elberton, and will receive friends on Friday, October 25, from 2:00-2:45p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

Funeral services celebrating Jo Ann’s life will be conducted on Friday, October 25, at 3:00p.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Adams officiating. Interment will be private in Elmhurst Cemetery.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to First Baptist Church of Elberton Ramp Ministry, 132 Heard Street, Elberton, GA 30635. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Jo Ann R. Cobo.