Gaylan Gillean Cobb was born on March 2, 1938 in Stamford, Texas to Esther Parish Gillean and W.O. Gillean. She lived in Stamford during her childhood and graduated from Stamford High School in 1956. While in high school she was a member of the Stamford Bulldog Band and editor of the Stamford Bulldog Annual. Gaylan was an avid sports fan and was excited that she was the editor the first year the Stamford Bulldogs were state football champions. She was active in the Stamford First Baptist Church where she was baptized as a young girl.
After graduation she accepted a position with Lubbock Independent School District to teach English. She taught at O.L. Slaton Junior High School where she was sponsor of the National Junior Honor Society. It was at O.L. Slaton that she met her love, her friend, and her joy C. David Cobb. They were married on December 23, 1961 at First Baptist Church in Stamford, Texas. Gaylan was a long time member of Second Baptist Church, Lubbock.
Gaylan received her Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Texas Tech University. She continued her teaching career at Evans Junior High School where she taught ninth grade English and served as sponsor of the student council. Gaylan was a charter member of Eta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. She served as its president for two years. She was named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. Gaylan was honored during the eighth annual Tribute to teachers by the College of Education at Texas Tech.
Gaylan was a Life Member of the University of Texas Ex-Students’ Association, and supported both the University of Texas College Of Education and the Texas Tech College of Education. The Gaylan Gillean Cobb Endowed Scholarship was established at the University of Texas for a member of the Longhorn Marching Band who is preparing to become a classroom teacher. She was also a member of the Texas Tech Alumni Association, Texas Tech University Chancellor’s Council, and the Red Raider Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents, W.O. and Esther Gillean. Survivors include her husband of 52 years C. David Cobb; brothers Dr. Bill Gillean (Doris) and Lex Gillean (Frances). Her cherished nieces and nephews, Bill Gillean III; Dr. Julia Gillean; Niki Jones; Maggie Schamber; Anne Michael and Lex Gillean II.
The family would like to thank Raider Ranch (MC), Area Community Hospice and Dr. Chanda Dihenia for their loving care of Gaylan. In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials are Meal on Wheels, South Plains Food Bank or a charity of your choice.
Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2014 at Second Baptist Church, Lubbock, Texas with Rev. Ryon Price and Rev. Stephanie Nash officiating. Visitation will follow the service in the Grand Hall.
Interment will be in Blanket Cemetery, Blanket, Texas at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2014 with Carroll Lockett officiating.
Condolences and online guestbook can be found at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.
