Henrietta Cobb McDermott fought a courageous and inspirational battle with cancer for over 10 years. She transitioned to her heavenly home on August 8th.
She was born on September 18, 1936 in a small farmhouse in Jessamine County, Kentucky. She was the 3rd of 6 children born to the Rev. WR and Clara Cobb. She was raised on a cattle and tobacco farm with plenty of daily chores to share with her siblings. Hard work, discipline, scripture readings, prayers, country cooking and love were all in abundance at their humble homestead. Her parents instilled a strong Christian faith and a puritanical work ethic in all their children…..Mom loved Texas, but Kentucky was always her home. She started her IBM career in Lexington in October of 1964. She transferred with her family to IBM Austin in August of 1968. She was a strong, independent and feisty woman. She ruled her house with discipline and Christian love. When her own kids were grown, she got remarried and raised two stepsons…..She was a kind, loving and generous soul. She was always ready to lend a hand to those in need – no matter what that meant. Mom never met a stranger. She enjoyed spreading a little sunshine into everyone’s day.
She worked at IBM for 27 years (plus 7 more as a contract employee). For most of that time, she was an executive secretary. Her last position at IBM was International Assignments Representative. In that role, she helped the incoming families (from across the globe) find housing, find doctors, enroll kids in school and navigate the bureaucratic paperwork involved in settling in a foreign country. This was the most enjoyable and rewarding role of her career.
After retiring from IBM, she took on the role of church secretary at her current church, Covenant United Methodist. She had this position when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011…..She will be greatly missed by all. But, we draw comfort in knowing that she has been released from her failing earthly body and now rests in eternal peace in her Father’s Heavenly Kingdom.
She was preceded in death by: her parents, Rev WR Cobb and Clara Chaney Cobb; ex husband, Terry McDermott; nephews, Byron Cobb and Tim Cobb, and grandniece, infant Kenady Faith Shook.
She is survived by: her sons, Steve McDermott (Twyla) of Austin, TX; Jeff McDermott (Denise) of Cedar Park, TX; grandsons, Travis McDermott (Erika) of Austin; and Trevor McDermott of Hutto, TX; stepsons, James Henderson of Leander, TX; Doug Henderson (Sue) of Schertz, TX; step-grandkids, Haley, Jamison, Garrett and Mark; her siblings, Bernard L Cobb (Lois) of Wilmore; John S Cobb (Nellie) of Winchester; Eldon Cobb (Carole) of Jessamine County; Wilma Hamilton (Rev Paul) of Edmond, Ok; Gerald Cobb (Donna) of Nicholasville; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Donations in her honor can be made to: Covenant United Methodist Church 4410 Duvall Rd Austin Texas 78727 or to Hospice Austin. A small, family memorial service will be held on her 85th birthday.