Meta Karen Cozby

Meta Karen Cozby, 88, of Jonesboro passed from her earthly life Monday, July 27, 2009, at the Union County hospital in Anna, IL in the presence of loving family.

She was born August 26, 1920 in York, NB to the Rev. Clark S. Powell and May Meyer. On July 18, 1942 she married Harold “Bing” David Cozby who preceded her in death October 8, 1996.

She graduated from Anna-Jonesboro High School in 1937 and attended Carthage College. After the death of the father in 1940 she returned home to Jonesboro and taught school in Mounds, IL. Following her husband’s discharge from the Army at the end of World War II, they moved to Batesville, IN where their two sons were born. She taught school briefly in Napoleon, IN before moving back to Jonesboro in 1956 where they lived the rest of her lives. At the age of 42, she received her Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University. She taught music at Tamms, IL High School from 1956-58 and in the Shawnee School District in Union County from 1959 until her retirement in 1982.

God gave her the gift and love of musical talent and she freely gave of that talent as organist, choir director, and Sunday school teacher/leader for nearly 40 years at Salem Lutheran Church in Jonesboro. For many years she gave private piano and vocal lessons to both youth and adults, some of who continued on as professional musicians and volunteer church musicians. The only things greater than her love of music were her love of family and faith in God.

After enjoying many years of family camping trips while the boys were young, she continued her love for travel after her and her husband’s retirements, visiting friends around the United States as well as travel abroad. In her later years, she became an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and was in attendance for Mark McGwire’s 62nd home run in 1998.

She is survived by sons David (Gretchen) Cozby of Jonesboro and George (Judy) Cozby of Jackson, MO, sister Kathern (Bud) Newton of Jonesboro, brother Charles (Edith) Powell of Fish, WI, grandchildren Mary Cozby of Tucson, AZ, Nick (Mandy) Cozby of Pacific, MO, Gretchen (Mitch) Bennett of Ewing, IL, Katie Cozby of Cape Girardeau, MO, step grandchildren Kevin (Beth) Werner, of Jackson, Darin (Tammy) Werner of Jackson, great grand children Kaitlyn Bennett, Lily Cozby, step great grand children Lori Werner, Macie Werner, Ashley Werner, and Brent Werner. Meta was preceded in death by her husband; Harold, parents and step great grandchild Dylan Werner.

Visitation for Mrs. Meta Cozby will be from 5 to 8 p.m.. Thursday, July 30, 2009, at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2009, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Jonesboro with Pastor David Eidson officiating. Burial will be in the Jonesboro City cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Salem Lutheran Church Organ Fund. Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro

Meta Karen Cozby