Edith Mae Cosby

Edith Mae Taylor Cosby transitioned peacefully on April 19, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Tunstall, VA, on April 18, 1934, to James and Marynett Taylor. She was one of eight children. She was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister.

She was educated in New Kent public schools and graduated in 1951 from George W. Watkins High School as president of her senior class.

In 1952, while attending a local dance, she met Ernest Cosby, a handsome young soldier from Hanover, VA. Two years later in January 1954, Edith and Ernest married. They were married for sixty-three years until Ernest’s death in 2017. Out of their love were born two children, Ernestine and Ernest Jr.

Edith found God at the early age of ten and joined Second Liberty Baptist Church. Once she and her husband made their home in Mechanicsville, VA, she discovered a new church family at First Union Baptist Church. At First Union, she served on the Missionary Board and was chairperson of the Flower Committee for more than twenty years. She was a sounding board to her husband in his role as Chairman of the Trustee Board for thirty years.

During the early years of her children’s lives, she was a stay-at-home working mom. She was also the book keeper for her husband’s entrepreneurial ventures. Later in life, she took a job outside of the home at Reynolds Metal Company as the supervisor of the food service department. Later, she obtained employment at the Sheraton Airport Inn where she served as the banquet chef. At the age of sixty-eight, she was named the 2002 Employee of the Year. She then retired in 2004.

After retiring, she spent her time reading, gardening, taking day trips and lunching with “the girls.” Yes, she stayed busy. All who knew her marveled at how fast she got things done; she never seemed to sit down. On that note, she also continued to enjoy cooking. Her special apple cobbler was requested at all family functions.

Edith was confident. She spoke her mind, stood in her values, held people accountable, and did things even when they scared her. Edith had a sense of pride and style that were undeniable. These are traits her children carry with them.

Left to cherish the memory of Edith are her daughter, Ernestine (Tina) Robertson of Bowie, MD; son, Ernest Cosby, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Zennie, of Mechanicsville, Virginia; two grandchildren, Taylor Robertson, of Los Angeles, California, and Newman Cosby (Brittany) of Mechanicsville, VA; and one great-granddaughter, Reese Mae. She also leaves behind one sister, Louise Brewington of Montclair, New Jersey, and one sister-in-law, Julia Taylor of New Kent, Virginia. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, as well as her chosen daughter, Lois Lawrence of Bowie, MD.

Professional services entrusted to Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., where the family will receive friends Friday, May 1, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at First Union Baptist Church, 6231 Pole Green Rd., Mechanicsville, Va., 23116, at 11 a.m. Interment First Union Baptist Church Cemetery (intersection of Rural Point Road & Pole Green Road).

Funeral services can be viewed online by visiting the Facebook page for the church (First Union Baptist Church - MVA) on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11 a.m.