Mississippi former Supreme Court Justice, Kay B. Cobb has been reported by close sources. It was reported that she died at her home in Lenoir City, Tennessee, on May 26, 2023, at age 81. No cause of death was disclosed.
“I was always so proud of her because she paved the way for the rest of us. She set a tremendous example for other women to follow,” her sister-in-law, Chancellor Vicki Cobb Daniels, shared.
Born on February 28, 1942, she taught elementary school in the 1960s to children of military personnel for three years. Later, she worked for the Texas Employment Commission for five years as a job replacement counselor for the handicapped and for people who had freshly been released from prison.
From 1992 to 1996, Cobb represented Mississippi’s 9th senatorial district in the Mississippi Senate. She was a Republic party member who lived in Oxford and represented Lafayette County.
Cobbs was appointed to the Supreme Court of Mississippi by Governor Kirk Fordice on April 1, 1999, to complete the unexpired term of former Justice Charles L. Roberts Jr. She was elected to a full term on the court in November 2000 and served until her retirement on May 1, 2007.
Many people have sent their condolences after her death was announced.
“She was fearlessly independent. I have always been impressed with her determination and work ethic, exemplified by her entering law school with two young daughters at home. On the court, I don’t think anyone worked harder in the pursuit of the correct result for her cases. Her conduct always demonstrated moral and character strength and the best interests of the Judiciary,” Former Supreme Court Chief Justice, Bill Waller Jr. of Jackson, also wrote.
Court of Appeals Chief Judge, Donna Barnes of Tupelo also said;
“She was a wonderful woman and a wonderful jurist. She was so direct and straightforward, yet approachable. She gave me moral support and advice.”
“When I was a Circuit Judge, she occasionally appeared before me as an attorney. She prepared meticulously for her cases, and she had that same work ethic as a justice. At the Supreme Court, our offices were next to each other, and quite often, when I left the office for the day, she was still in her office working. She was a wonderful person and an exceptional justice,” Former Presiding Justice George C. Carlson of Batesville also shared.