Who was Kay B. Cobb? U. S. Supreme Court Justice Dead at 81

Kay B. Cobb was a Supreme Court Justice in Mississippi who was appointed to the Supreme Court of Mississippi by Governor Kirk Fordice on April 1, 1999, to complete the unexpired term of former Justice Charles L. Roberts Jr. She was elected to a full term on the court in November 2000 and served until her retirement on May 1, 2007.

Her fellow government and judicial officials expressed their condolences when her death was announced.

“When I was a Circuit Judge, she occasionally appeared before me as an attorney. She prepared meticulously for her cases, and she had that same work ethic as a justice. At the Supreme Court, our offices were next to each other, and quite often, when I left the office for the day, she was still in her office working. She was a wonderful person and an exceptional justice,” Former Presiding Justice George C. Carlson of Batesville shared.

“She was fearlessly independent. I have always been impressed with her determination and work ethic, exemplified by her entering law school with two young daughters at home. On the court, I don’t think anyone worked harder in the pursuit of the correct result for her cases. Her conduct always demonstrated moral and character strength and the best interests of the Judiciary,” Former Supreme Court Chief Justice, Bill Waller Jr. of Jackson wrote.