Annie E. Cosby

ANNIE ELIZABETH COSBY, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Cosby was born January 20, 1926 in Henrico County, Virginia. Annie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the Captain Cousin's lake by the late Rev. Pearly of St. Peters Baptist Church in Virginia. Throughout her life she stayed devoted to her vow of stewardship and on January 26, 2016 God called one of his earthly angels home. She is preceded in death by her daughter Francine Harrington, one sister Minnie Brown, and eight brothers Shephard, Jessie, Carey, Solomon, Joseph, Earl, Bob and Ernest Cosby.

Annie received her primary education in the state of Virginia. She attended the Virginia Randolph Community High School, but later received her high school diploma a few years after moving to Baltimore in 1944. She continued her education by enrolling in evening college courses at a local community college where she studied computer application from 1968 to 1969 and on May 20, 1975 she received a certificates for a short course in Criminal Justice.

In 1946, Annie joined Zion Baptist Church under the Pastor ship of the late Rev. Wilkerson. She was a member of the church choir and remained active until complications with her vocal chords wouldn't allow her to sing anymore. Although she could no longer sing her voice still would be heard as she became an active and vocal member of the Usher's board. Annie continued to exercise her faith under the leadership of Rev. Williams after the retirement of Rev. Wilkerson and in 1983 she left Zion with Rev. Williams to start Prince of Peace Baptist Church. She served as a charter member and an usher at Prince of Peace for eight years before Rev. Williams passed away. In 1991, Annie returned to Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Marshall F. Prentice. Upon her return she worked diligently in the church on the pastor's Assistance Ministry and had a lengthy tenure as Marshall of the usher board.

She remained active in numerous activities and ministries until she gently passed away, at 90 years young she was still working on the Charlie Wilkins Outreach, a member of Daytime Bible Study, a member of the Golden Age Ministry and still served as a Pastor's aid. Out of all the ministries that Annie worked in Ushering, was at the center of her heart.

Annie was employed at the Pharmaceutical Drug Company and for Beauty Queen Cosmetics. On a shoestring budget, Annie started her own cosmetic company named Rochelle Cosmetics. She had more than fifty employees working under her supervision. This venture ended briefly because of an urban renewal. In 1965, she went to work for Misty Harbor where she served as Vice-President for eight years of Local 362 and promoted to President for 10 years. Annie was committed to seeing that people in her community registered to vote so she began working for the Baltimore City Board of Election as Judge and later as a Chief Judge from 1980, until 2014 in 1989, Annie began working for the Department of Defense where she retired after 13 years of dedicated service.

ANNIE, LIZZIE, AUNT LIZ, GRANNY, NANNA, SISTER COSBY or whatever name she was affectionately known as, was a people person. She was a kind hearted, God fearing woman who would lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Nanna was feisty until the end and didn't bite her tongue for anyone. Granny was a strong self-sufficient woman and worked hard for everything she had. Lizzie was a stylish and classy woman with a fashion sense that was ahead of her time. Aunt Lizzie was a true provider for her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. Sister Cosby was a dedicated member exemplifying stewardship by working diligently for over 80 years in the church. Annie was a positive influence and touched the lives of anyone who came in contact with her. She will truly be missed.

Annie leaves to cherish her memory, two grandsons Durrell and Albert; one granddaughter Iesha Harrison; four great grandchildren, A'Niya, Albert III, Khristian Clark and Jyrelle Harrington; two adopted daughters, Charlene Fisher and Sharon Burgess; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.