DeLarion Carole (Madden) Cobbs

Mrs. DeLarion Carole Cobb better known as “Carole” was born on January 1, 1944 in Greenville, South Carolina, the only child of Richard
Madden and Hattye Sullivan Madden. Through the inspiration and guidance of a Christian home Carole became a devout Christian at a
young age. She attended the historic Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio with her mother and was baptized in reverence of God
under the leadership of Rev. Wilson. DeLarion attended Cleveland Public Schools and proudly graduated from John Adams High School.
While attending the private historic HBCU for women Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, DeLarion developed strong beliefs
in equality, equity and justice, which led her to became actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. At Bennett, she participated in marches, sit-
ins, and even helped to organize phone calls to parents to inform them about their child being in jail. For fear of her safety her mother begged her
to come home. She later matriculated at the University of Akron where she earned a degree in Bachelor of Communications. DeLarion continued her
education pursuing and achieving her master’s degree in library science from Case Western Reserve. Carole later pledged Delta Sigma Theta
through the Cleveland Grad Chapter and she was also an active member of the Black Professional Association. As a member of the B.P.A. Carole
enjoyed networking and socializing with other professionals. She married LeMoyne B. Nesbitt, Sr. to this union she was blessed with the birth of her only child, DeLarion “Dee” C. Nesbitt. On October 17, 1987 she married the love of her life Leonard Cobb, Jr. Leonard and Carole were like two peas in a pod. Carole and Leonard fully enjoyed life
together, always laughing, joking, talking, and forever smiling. Both enjoyed socializing and it can be said that they never met a stranger. Their friends called them “the cute couple.” When Carole got sick, Leonard was there right by her side. They were truly a match made in heaven.

Carole and Leonard joined Aldersgate United Methodist Church under the leadership of Reverend Willis in 1989. They were inspired by his
sermons and leadership style and were very active members until her health caused her to not be able to attend.
Carole shared a bond with her daughter Dee, that was stronger than mother and daughter. They were confidants, they were buddies, they were
best friends. Carole and Dee were so content with spending time together, they loved going to the movies, museums and attending concerts.
She was also a thespian and would take her daughter Dee with her to rehearsals and plays at the Karamu House Theater of Cleveland. Carole
was one of the cast members in the play “A Raisin in the Sun.” Her love for children and education continued throughout her life.
She was employed with both the Shaker Heights Public Schools and the Cleveland Public Schools Systems as a Childrens Librarian. She also
worked as a Childrens Librarian at the Warrensville branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library System. While still employed and
actively working as a Librarian, Carole helped her mother open and run the Mt. Pleasant Nursery School. For several years she assisted her mother with the daycare business.
Due to the decline of her mother’s health as well as other family life demands Carole eventually decided to make the family daycare her
primary employment.
Her love of reading and advocacy for children’s literacy was of the upmost importance to Carole. Throughout her career as a Librarian, she
actively participated in the “Reading Is Fundamental” program, a nationwide children’s literacy program that believes that the ability to read is the fundamentals for success. She would often drive the literacy bus into communities that lacked resources. She was preceded in death by her loving parents Richard and Hattye
Madden and her stepson Leonard Cobbs III. Carole transitioned home to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Left to
honor her memory are her loving and devoted husband, Leonard Cobb, Jr. and her faithful daughter, DeLarion “Dee” Nesbitt, stepdaughters Hillary
Wooley (Christpher) and Patricia Cobbs. Step grandchildren William and Maya Wooley and Chloe Cobbs along with a host of other relatives and
close friends.

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