Mary Lou Cobb Forbes Bailey

Some people leave behind beautiful memories. Others leave behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, lessons, and love. Mary Lou Cobb Forbes Bailey managed to leave a little bit of everything.

Born February 7, 1946, in Bolivar County, Mississippi, Mary Lou "Lucy" was the daughter of the late Hercial Dean Cobb and Pauline Elizabeth Shurden Cobb. She grew up on Zumbro Plantation and attended the Cleveland School System. From those early Delta roots, Mary Lou built a life rich in faith, family, friendship, and the countless memories she leaves behind. 

For 25 years, Mary Lou was a familiar face and welcoming voice at First National Bank, later Merchants & Farmers Bank in Cleveland. As a receptionist, she greeted countless people over the years, sharing her warmth, kindness, and faith with those who crossed her path.

Mary Lou was a gifted pianist and a strong Christian woman. A longtime member of Providence Baptist Church and a founding member of Mid South Baptist Church, she shared her musical talents with her church family and residents of area nursing homes. She especially enjoyed working with young people, and her love for children was evident throughout her life. She did everything for God's glory.

She loved cooking, decorating, and making her home a welcoming place for family and friends. She had an eye for beauty, a wonderful sense of humor, a little sass, and just enough stubbornness to keep everyone on their toes. Mary Lou knew how she liked things done, and she wasn't particularly shy about letting anyone know. 

Of course, no remembrance of Mary Lou would be complete without mentioning her famous "Ugly Cake." This deep-dish butter cake generously sprinkled with powdered sugar was a family favorite despite one small detail: it never seemed to turn out quite the same twice. No two cakes looked exactly alike, but everyone was loved. And somehow, that made it even more special. It didn't have to be perfect to be wonderful. It was Nana's cake, and that was more than enough. 

While Mary Lou wore many hats throughout her life, her most treasured roles were those of Mama and Nana. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the heart of her world. She loved them dearly, celebrated their joys, worried and prayed over their troubles, and treasured the time they spent together. Whether gathered around the table, sharing stories, eating, or simply enjoying one another's company, those ordinary moments became the memories her family will now hold closest.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hercial Dean Cobb and Pauline Elizabeth Shurden Cobb; her husbands, Ellis Earl Forbes and Vern Bailey; her sister, Shirlene Cobb Weaver; and her brother, Hercial Wayne Cobb, Sr.

Mary Lou leaves behind her loving children, Wayne Forbes of Cleveland, Mississippi, Sharon Stone (Ricky) of Cleveland, Mississippi, and Laura Wells (Randy) of Starkville, Mississippi; her grandchildren, Austin Forbes "The Favorite" (Jessica), Mary Margaret Fikes (Westley), Anna Williamson (Owen), Abby Gordon (Christian), Tucker Wells, James Forbes; and her great-grandchildren, Faith Forbes, Katie-Grey Forbes, Luci Fikes, and Ann Parker Williamson. She also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish the privilege of having known her.

Mary Lou's life was a beautiful reminder that love doesn't have to be extraordinary to leave an extraordinary legacy. Sometimes it's found in a familiar voice, a song played on the piano, a seat at the family table, or a cup of coffee. And for those blessed enough to call her Mama, Nana, or Aunt Lucy, no one else will ever be quite like her. 

Visitation for Mary Lou will be held Monday, November 9, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Cleveland Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 PM in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Lehrton Cemetery in Ruleville, MS. Brother Arthur Scott and Brother Joe Barone will officiate the services.

Cleveland Funeral Home has been given the honor of serving Mary Lou's family during this difficult time.