Martha Cober

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Martha Voirin Cober, age 87.

Martha was born at home on August 22, 1934, in Letot, Texas, near Dallas. She graduated North Dallas High School in 1952, already engaged at the age of 17 to her handsome Marine, Jay D. Cober. A June wedding was planned, but had to be delayed when Jay was deployed to Korea for 18 long months. Through faithful correspondence, their relationship strengthened while Jay fought for his country in the Korean Conflict and Martha worked as a legal secretary. They were finally united in marriage on November 5, 1954. Martha loved him all her long life, despite his death at an early age in 1981.

Together, they spent their lives building a variety of businesses, raising children, and enjoying their extended family and hobbies. Martha’s passions included collecting Texas history books, researching her family genealogy, and assembling an impressive collection of 19th and early 20th century American antiques. She was always ready for her next visit to a Civil War battleground or cemetery.

She is survived by her daughter, Catharine Cober of Carencro, Louisiana, and her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Teri Cober of Opelousas, Louisiana. She loved and cherished her grandsons, Devon and Charles. Throughout their lives, Martha and Jay mentored and loved many young men, most notably James Richmond of Allen, Texas, and considered his children their own grandchildren. Martha is also survived by her sister, Laura Parmer of Dallas, Texas, Laura’s husband, Will, their daughter, Mara Lee Green and her family, and their son, Tim Parmer. Also precious to her were her numerous nieces and nephews, particularly Peter Cober of Birmingham, Alabama.

She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Louise Voirin, and her husband, Jay Cober.

The family appreciates the love and care of Martha’s recent caregivers, Claire Chenier, Mary Monroe, and Michelle Hartford.

Graveside services are Friday, February 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Smith Family Cemetery, at the end of Penn Street in Irving, Texas.

Sibille Funeral Home in Opelousas, Louisiana and Donnelly Colonial Funeral Home in Irving, Texas are coordinating arrangements.