Yvonne Marie Cobbige

Yvonne Cobbige, age 71, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026 in Boston Massachusetts. Yvonne was born August 21, 1955 in Memphis, Tennessee to Charles and Hannah (Clark) Cobbige. She was a graduate of Southside High School where she was an accomplished member of the Southside Scrapper marching and orchestral band under the direction of James "Jimmy" Keyes. Yvonne is fondly remembered by former bandmates for her highly energetic, humorous, and engaging personality and for her fierce determination to excel at performing on multiple percussion instruments.

She was rewarded for her dedication by being selected to perform as a member of the prestigious All West Tennessee 11-12 Senior Band.

Yvonne was a gifted musician whose artistry, dedication, and generosity left a lasting impression on fellow performers, students, and audiences alike. A skilled orchestral percussionist, she was especially known for her mastery of the timpani, marimba, and xylophone. Throughout her musical career, she brought energy, precision, and enthusiasm to every ensemble in which she performed.

Among the groups with which she performed was the highly regarded Symphony Pro Musica. Yvonne served as the orchestra's timpanist from 1995 to 2008 and was a devoted and valued member of the organization. Music Director and Conductor Dr. Mark Churchill recalled, "Yvonne was a devoted and valued member of Symphony Pro Musica from 1995 to 2008, serving as our timpanist. She played her role in the orchestra with complete commitment, unbridled enthusiasm, and advanced skills."

Yvonne also performed for approximately ten years with the MIT Concert Band and spent many summers with the Harvard Summer Orchestra. She traveled throughout the Northeast with the MIT Concert Band, sharing her love of music with audiences across the region. In addition, she frequently performed in musical theater pit orchestras, where colleagues remembered her as "a very lively and spirited person and a very talented and dedicated player."

Beyond her performances, Yvonne found joy in supporting and encouraging young musicians. In 2010, she volunteered with the music department at The Bromfield School in Harvard, Massachusetts, teaching percussion to middle and high school students. She was known for her patience, kindness, and willingness to mentor others, especially those who were still developing their confidence as musicians.

One fellow musician remembered, "It was an incredible experience to play with someone of her level. I'll never forget her patience and kindness when I struggled with a solo at the Harvard Summer Orchestra, and she told me that I could do it. Yvonne's encouragement meant a lot to me, and our time together will always be a cherished memory."

Yvonne's dedication to music was reflected not only in her performances but also in her commitment to lifelong learning. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Tennessee Technological University in 1983. Her exceptional talent led to advanced study at the New England Conservatory in Boston, where she studied under renowned percussionist Frank Epstein in 1983 and 1984. Although her studies were interrupted before she completed all academic requirements, she remained determined to finish what she had begun and later returned to earn her Master of Music degree in 2005.

Through her musicianship, encouragement, and enduring love of music, Yvonne enriched the lives of countless students, colleagues, friends, and audiences. She will be remembered not only for her artistic excellence, but also for her generous spirit, warm smile, and unwavering belief in the potential of others.

Yvonne is predeceased by her parents, as well as her brother, Bernard Davis, Sr. She is survived by her siblings, Pattie Cobbige, Beatrice Lewis, and David Lewis, all of Memphis, TN, and Gregory Cobbige of Germantown, TN. Yvonne is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Brooklyn and Elliott Cobbige, of Germantown, TN, and Bernard Davis, Jr. of Nashville, TN.