Florence Anne (Brown) Cobb

• 

Cobb, Florence Anne (Brown) Passed away Friday, June 24, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family and friends. Florence was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Florence's passion was dance! Introduced to modem dance at Lincoln University (MO) she went on to study at University of Wisconsin, Tennessee State University, and Temple University. Florence was a trailblazer who pioneered the validity of dance as an academic discipline and a medium for artistic expression. Florence taught at Cameron High School in Nashville, Tennessee where she established the first Orchesis dance club in the metropolitan school system. She was dance program founder at Minnesota State University at Mankato and taught there for over 20 years Her pioneering efforts of establishing a dance minor leave a legacy of over five dance degrees currently offered at Minnesota State University Mankato. Florence inspired and mentored many students who now share and spread her enthusiasm of dance nationwide. She was known to travel the region with students in tow to see noted dance companies. She also brought national dance companies in residence to Mankato. Dance education was paramount in her life as she worked with different groups of varying abilities. A strong belief that dance has the ability to transform and heal fueled her continued advocacy for the importance of dance in people's lives. Florence was active in the Minnesota dance community serving on multiple boards and panels, and as a performing artist She is survived by children Joyce Renee Cobb (Memphis TN), Robert S. Cobb III and Linda Cobb, three grandchildren, five great-grand- children, loving family, in laws, friends and a host of devoted students. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a scholarship fund in memory of Florence's legacy to the Dance Program; Department of Theater and Dance, Earley Center for Performing Arts, PA 201; Minnesota State University Mankato; Mankato, MN 56001. A celebration of life will be scheduled in August with details to follow. Washburn-McReavy.com Werness Brothers 952-884-8145

Published on June 26, 2016