Obituary of Barbara Ann Cosby
COSBY, Barbara Ann
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara Ann Cosby (Devereux) on Tuesday June 3, 2025 at Douglas Memorial Hospital in Fort Erie. Surrounded by the love of her family and just shy of her 83rd birthday, she has now been reunited with her sweetheart Eric and will spend eternity with her Lord and saviour.
A woman with many names, she was beloved Mom to Melody Cosby (Jim), Step-Mom to Rick Cosby (Tina) & Chris Cosby (Linda), “Meema” to Owen & Max, and Grandma Barb to Kylee, Kyra & Larissa.
Barbara is survived by her sisters Beverly Hanson (Keith) & Bonnie Milberry (Bud). Together they formed the Devereux Sisters whom many will remember sang and traveled together for many years as they shared the gospel through music. Auntie Barb was loved dearly and will be remembered by many nieces and nephews, and was the rock to many in the family.
She had a large bonus family of siblings with the ‘Cosby kids’, many foster brothers and sisters and extended family in Pennsylvania and never once turned away a friend in need.
Barb was predeceased by her childhood sweetheart Eric Cosby after 44 years of marriage, parents Howard & Evelyn Devereux (Simpson) and loving nephews Clyde Milberry & Austin MacKinnon.
Her life was dedicated to her faith in God and provided ministry in music her entire life. Having been the organist at the Holloway Memorial Chapel for over 25 years, she loved playing Sunday mornings and directing the choir each summer. Additionally she played the piano beside her sister at Golden Harvest Baptist Church following service at the chapel and has provided music for hundreds of celebrations and services at various churches throughout the Niagara area through the years.
Travelling and singing with her family always filled her heart. She was a passionate piano teacher for many years and pianist for the Workman Quartet. Her love of genealogy made her the go-to resource for all things related to her family and will be missed for being able to answer all the random questions.
Many thanks to Dr Scher and the staff at DMH for their kindness and gentle care of her even if only a short time. Special thank you to our incredible surprise nurse Hale, Megan and Katie at GNGH for their extra loving attention during her stay.
The family will receive friends on Thursday June 5, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m at Benner Funeral Services, 1105 Benner Avenue, Fort Erie. A funeral service will take place on Friday June 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Golden Harvest Baptist Church, 3130 Point Abino Rd N, Fort Erie.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to the Golden Harvest Baptist Church.
