Hortensia Cosby Obituary

In Loving Memory ...

ANITA’S LIFE STORY 

Hortensia Anita Cosby was born October 30, 1950 to the late James and Dorothy Cosby.  Anita, was fondly called “Red” because of her red hair and was a younger sibling in her large family.  She was raised in North Philadelphia and received her education through the School District of Philadelphia, graduating with a focus in culinary arts and food safety certifications. Whether Anita was working at a local eatery, visiting friends or celebrating with family, her joyful laugh and her hilarious stories  were a warm part of her food festivities.

Anita was raised in a loving family but understood the harsh realities of the streets in North Philadelphia. She was insightful, practical, determined and worked hard to always pay her own way. Yet,  with her caring heart, she supported others whenever she could.  She shared a special bond  with each of her older siblings but her bond with her baby brother, Kenny, was exceptionally close. Both loved family and food as part of their fun. She loved children, adored her nieces and nephews and was their fierce protector.  SpencerJordan, one of her youngest great-grand nieces, visited Anita from time to time and filled her with delight and many sweet remembrances.  Anita was an attentive and dedicated caregiver to her older siblings and to her second dad, William J. Poindexter. She often came in the middle of the night to check on him and her second mom, Etta Mae. 

Anita faced many serious health challenges throughout her own life.  She faced them all spiritually with her strong faith and with the words “God will fix it in His time.”   Anita had many church homes and with her lovely voice, sang all the words to many hymns without looking at the hymnal.  Her bible was never far from her reach. In her later years, her bibile was always packed in her bag and went with her EVERYWHERE. She shared regular prayer with the nursing home chaplains.  

Anita Cosby is preceded in death by her parents: James and Dorothy Cosby; her second dad, William Poindexter: Sisters: Roberta Butler, Elaine Cosby, Delores Cosby-Singleton; Brothers: Kenneth L. Cosby, Orlando Smith Jr., and James Cosby Jr.  Anita leaves to cherish her memories: Second Mom: Etta Poindexter; Brother: Robert Smith; a host of loving nieces and nephews,  grand nieces and grand nephews, great grand nieces, the Poindexter family, along with Godchildren, family and friends,