Sylvia Sue (Rutherford) Cobb was born on May 22, 1937, in Los Angeles, CA, to Elmer and Verna Rutherford. She passed away on May 27, 2022.
As a child, she lived in California, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming with her mother and father until the family settled in Shawnee, OK, in 1949. She graduated from Shawnee High School in 1955. She then attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and was the first member of her family to attend college. In 1959, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education (History and English). Sylvia began her teaching career at Nicoma Park Jr. High School. She taught Social Studies and English from 1966-1968 when she discovered her true calling. Her love of reading led her to the University of Okla., where she earned her Master’s of Library Science degree. Being a librarian was her dream job. She worked at Westark Community College, Fort Smith, AR (1969-71); Southwestern State University, Weatherford, OK (1971-72); Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK (1972-1996) where she retired. She decided to return to work at St. Gregory’s University, Shawnee, OK 1996- 2002. In 2002, Sylvia decided she was ready to retire fully and enjoy life.
She loved her family and was very proud of each one of them. She encouraged her grandchildren from a very young age to read. Her favorite gift to share was a book. Sylvia loved to visit with family and take in the moments of time spent with loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her son, Walter L. Cobb.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Lisa Cobb of Seminole, OK; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial ceremony will be Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 11 am at the Walker Funeral Chapel in Shawnee, OK. Her grandson, Reverend Matthew Cobb, will officiate. A private interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee, OK.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Friends of the Shawnee Public Library.
