1904-1999
Contributed by Ruth Rogers-ProbascoDella Mae Cooper Probasco of San Francisco, California died on June 5, 1999 after a long and fruitful life. Though not born a Probasco, she carried the Probasco name for nearly eighty years.
Della was born to the union of Milton Cooper and Minnie McMullan in Milford, Texas, on December 25, 1904. She was baptized at an early age. She attended public school in Milford and Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas. In the early 1920's she met and married Samuel Burgess Probasco. To this union five children were born.
Della moved to Dallas, Texas in 1932 where she worked for several prominent families and ran a boarding house. In 1940, she and her family moved to Los Angeles, California where she ran a cafe in the Central Avenue neighborhood. In 1944, she moved to San Francisco, California. During her early years in San Francisco, she cooked for several cafes and rooming houses and retired from the Foster's Restaurant after many years of service.
Della was a long-time, faithful member of St. Andrew's Missionary Baptist Church of San Francisco joining under the ministry of the late Rev. J.B. Willis. Della served on the Mother's Board of her church until illness forced her to curtail her work there. Della instilled the word of the Lord in all of her children and grandchildren.
Della leaves to mourn her passing; two children, Theresa Hubbard-Waters of Dallas, Texas and Herman Probasco of Daly City, California, two daughter's-in-law, Ruth Rogers-Probasco of Daly City and Justine Johnson-Probasco of San Francisco, California; 25 grandchildren, 50 + great-grandchildren, 51 great-great grandchildren, and 10 great-great-great grandchildren. Della is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other family, her church family, and other loved ones. In her departed life, she will meet again her husband, Samuel Burgess, three children (who predeceased her) Grace Elizabeth Robertson, Lois Iretta Black, and James Burgess Probasco; two sons-in-law Ira Robertson and Calvin Black; three grandchildren Janice Deloise Martin, Marvin Batie, and Helen Lee; and one great-grandchild Monique Hayes.
