Add Row
Add Element
cropper
update
Around the Upstate Podcast
update
Add Element
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Upstate Featured
    • Living
    • Wellness
    • Homegrown Business
    • Arts & Culture
    • Outdoors
    • Community
    • Episodes
    • Events
    • Education
    • Style & Trends
    • Voices
    • Attractions
    • Other News
September 26.2025
2 Minutes Read

Gaffney Community Remembers Kristen Cobb: An Inspiring Educator and Beloved Family Member

Kristen Cobb Obituary: Woman with wavy hair indoors.

A Tribute to Kristen Cobb: A Life Well-Lived

Gaffney, SC—The community of Gaffney is mourning the loss of Kristen Ravan Cobb, who passed away on September 23, 2025, at the age of 50 at Spartanburg Medical Center. Kristen was not only a devoted wife and mother but also a cherished member of her community, known for her passion for education and her unwavering love for her family.

Remembering a Dedicated Educator

Kristen's career in education spanned several local schools, including Blue Ridge Middle School and Blacksburg Elementary School, where she served as a Reading Coach. Her commitment to nurturing young minds left a lasting impact on her students and colleagues alike. As an honorary pallbearer, many of her former students are now reflecting on how her teachings shaped their educational journeys.

A Family Woman at Heart

Born in Greer to Michael Ray Ravan and Ann Workman Ravan, Kristen was a loving wife to Michael Allen Cobb Jr. and a proud mother of three sons, Logan, Brady, and Rylan. She deeply cherished her family, especially her granddaughter, Amara Cobb. The joy she found in these relationships was evident in every aspect of her life.

Community Engagement and Spirit

A long-time member of Grace Baptist Church, she also attended First Baptist Church Gaffney, demonstrating her strong faith and commitment to community service. Her involvement extended beyond her professional life, as she was a dedicated supporter of local causes, reflecting her belief in giving back to the community that supported her.

Celebration of Life

The celebration of Kristen's life will take place on September 27, 2025, at First Baptist Church Gaffney, where family and friends will gather to honor her legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Carpenters for Christ, a cause dear to her heart.

Final Thoughts

As the Gaffney community comes together to remember Kristen, her legacy as an educator, mother, and friend lives on. She has touched many lives, and her spirit will forever be an integral part of the fabric of this community.

Community

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
09.26.2025

Six Mile Mayor Faces Candy Parade Controversy Amid Community Outcry

Update Mayor Atkinson Tackles Controversy Over Christmas Parade Changes In a recent town council meeting, Mayor James Atkinson addressed significant community uproar regarding a new ordinance banning the throwing of candy during the upcoming Six Mile Christmas parade. This surprising decision, cited as a measure to safeguard children and mitigate insurance risks, follows a tragic incident in Utah in 2022 where a life was lost due to similar festivities. Community Reaction Sparks Action The announcement has sparked fierce backlash among residents and town officials alike. Fire Chief Michael Barrett and Assistant Chief Kendall Rampey openly opposed the ordinance, resulting in Barrett's demotion to captain and Rampey’s termination for breaching county policy. Their dismissals have greatly contributed to local dissatisfaction, with nearly 600 residents signing a petition in support of Barrett and Rampey, reflecting a strong community sentiment. Support for Dedicated Public Servants The families of both Chiefs Barrett and Rampey expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the community, specifically acknowledging the support they received amid their difficult circumstances. Together, the two have served the community for over 42 years and intend to discuss their future with county officials soon. Advocates have even taken creative routes, such as designing T-shirts in support of their cause. Dialogue as a Resolution Path In light of the controversies, Mayor Atkinson urged community members to approach discussions with respect. During the meeting, he made it clear that the town holds no authority over county-employed firefighters, emphasizing the need for a cooperative atmosphere as they navigate these discussions. Tensions remain high, but the mayor believes that open dialogue can lead toward a resolution. The upcoming county and town council meetings will provide platforms for citizens to voice their concerns and influence future decisions. As the community continues to rally together, it showcases the power of unified voices in advocating for local heroes.

09.26.2025

Seneca City Council Cancelled Work Session: What Lies Ahead for Citizens?

Update Seneca City Council Work Session Cancelled: What’s Next for Residents? In a recent update for Seneca residents, the Seneca City Council announced the cancellation of its scheduled work session, initially set for September 30, 2025. This decision comes at a time when community involvement in local governance is crucial, especially given the many issues on the agenda that directly affect the lives of citizens. The Importance of City Council Meetings City council meetings serve as vital platforms for community engagement. They allow citizens to voice their concerns, ask questions, and stay informed about local governance. The next meeting will take place on the evening of October 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM. This rescheduled meeting presents an excellent opportunity for residents to participate in discussions about city planning, public safety, and community enhancements. Future Council Agenda Highlights While specific agenda items for the upcoming meeting have yet to be detailed, residents can likely anticipate discussions on pressing issues such as urban development, economic initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. Previous meetings have often focused on community services that enhance quality of life, such as parks, recreational programs, and public health initiatives. This participation not only fosters transparency but also strengthens the relationship between council members and the constituents they serve. Getting Involved in Local Government Participating in city council meetings isn't just about being heard; it's a chance to influence the future of the community. Residents who are willing to step forward can often find avenues for involvement beyond public meetings. Many councils welcome volunteers for committees that shape local policies. Engaging with your local council can lead to positive change and innovation tailored to meet community needs. As the council prepares for the next meeting, community members are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns with their council members or attend the widely accessible October meeting. Active civic engagement is crucial for fostering a vibrant and well-informed community.

09.26.2025

Westminster Political Forum: Key Issues and Candidate Insights Unveiled

Update Westminster Council Candidates Gather Despite No-ShowsIn a notable display of community engagement, only four city council candidates made their presence felt at the Westminster political forum held on September 26, 2025. These candidates, Jimmy Powell, Charles Morgan, and James Jones attended the forum in person, while Susan Ramey joined the discussion via cell phone. While it was unfortunate that candidate Dale Glymph was unable to attend due to a family obligation, the absence of Andrea Harbin, who cited work commitments as her reason for missing the event, raised questions about candidate availability leading up to the election.Despite the rainy weather and a small audience in attendance at the Depot community room, one local resident voiced a keen interest in the city’s future developments. The format of the forum mirrored previous events organized by the Oconee Republican Party, allowing candidates to present introductory remarks, respond to a curated set of questions, and offer closing statements.Key Issues on the TableCrucial topics discussed included Westminster’s ongoing participation in an Upstate municipal power consortium—a decision affecting both the community’s energy resources and budgetary strategies. Additionally, moderator JR Slack posed an intriguing question to James Jones regarding the necessity of both a Town Administrator and an Assistant Administrator in a town of approximately 2,400 residents. Jones argued for reevaluating the need for both roles, suggesting that such positions might not be essential for effective governance. This raises important considerations about the efficient use of municipal resources in smaller towns.The candidates also tackled the subject of annexation, providing insights into their viewpoints on this complex issue. As the community looks towards the future, the perspectives shared during this forum will likely shape local discussions going forward.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*