Midland, Texas - Irene "Jay" Cogbill, 90, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, at her home in Midland, Texas, surrounded by her family.

Early Life and Family

Born in Beaumont, California, on March 21, 1936, Irene was the daughter of Richard and Jane Scriven. She was a graduate of Banning High School and went on to study the arts at Crafton Hills College. On April 17, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Melvin Roy Cogbill.

Melvin and Irene raised their two children in Banning, where Irene was a constant, vibrant presence in the community. Whether through her work as a dedicated homemaker or her extensive volunteer efforts, she poured her heart into the town she called home.

A Legacy of Service

Irene's life was defined by her deep faith and her "helping hands." A devoted member of the Banning Church of the Nazarene, she founded the Compassionate Ministries program. Beyond her church work, her impact on the community spanned decades; she served as a teacher's aide at Precious Blood, volunteered for Stagecoach Days, provided face painting at city events, and assisted with Senior Center activities. Notably, she shared her love for children by teaching the Tot Time program at the Banning Community Center for over 20 years, where she was affectionately called "Miss Jay."

Survivors

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Jane Scriven; her sister, Connie Morris; her husband, Melvin Cogbill; and her son, Wes Cogbill.

She is survived by her daughter, Heidi Meraz and husband Joe; three grandchildren, Joshua Cross (Cynthia), Tyler Cross, and Melanie Kennedy (Lane); and her great-granddaughter, Melania "Lainey" Kennedy.

Service Information

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on May 1, 2026, at the Church of the Nazarene (500 N. 8th St, Banning, CA 92220). Irene will be laid to rest at San Gorgonio Memorial Park.

Arrangements: Entrusted to Willowbrook Funeral Home (Texas) and Wiefels & Son Memorial Chapel (California).

Memorial Donations:

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Banning Church of the Nazarene, Compassionate Ministries, in honor of Irene's lifelong commitment to serving others.