Elizabeth Long Cobb Bostick

Elizabeth Long Cobb Bostick (known to family and friends as Betty) of Selma, Alabama, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026 at the home of her daughter, Beth Peifer, in Montgomery, Alabama.

Born in Uniontown, Alabama, on November 23, 1932, to Oscar Eugene and Mary Coleman Long Cobb, Betty was a lifelong example of kindness, dedication, and unwavering service to her family, church, and community. She graduated from Uniontown High School and continued her education at Gulf Park College before attending the University of Alabama. At Alabama, she was a proud member of Kappa Delta Sorority, Mortar Board, and the YMCA Leadership Board. It was there she met her beloved husband, Hugh Parker Bostick of Birmingham. They were married on June 16, 1953.

The couple lived briefly in Birmingham before Hugh’s military service took them to Indiana and Pennsylvania. After his service, they settled in Selma, where they remained for the rest of their lives. In Selma, Betty helped her husband build his career, first at Tepper’s Department Store and then at Leon’s Casuals. Betty also taught school at Byrd Elementary for several years and, later in life, worked at the Selma Convention Center.

Betty’s life was deeply rooted in her faith. A devoted member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (formerly First Presbyterian), she served faithfully in many capacities, including as chairperson of the Presbyterian Women and as one of the first women elected a ruling Elder in her church. Betty’s servant heart was evident in her warm, welcoming spirit and her thoughtful acts of kindness. She was well known for providing homemade meals, including her famous caramel cake and chicken pie, to friends struggling through illness as well as newcomers to the community.

Her commitment extended beyond her church to the Selma Charity League and to supporting all her husband’s and children’s endeavors. Her generosity and compassion left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Parker Bostick, and her parents. She is survived by her children, Hugh Parker Bostick, Jr. (Pamela Copeland Bostick) of Mobile, Oscar Cobb Bostick (Pamela Brady Bostick) of Selma, and Elizabeth Long Bostick Peifer (Douglas Carl Peifer) of Montgomery, and by her sister, Mary Coleman Cobb Hester of Montgomery.

She also leaves behind a loving family of grandchildren: Elizabeth Bostick Leatherbury (Gregory) of Mobile; Hugh Parker Bostick, III (Terri) of Fairhope; Mary Coleman Bostick Dobbins (John) of Birmingham; Brady Elizabeth Bostick Rives (Drew) of Selma; Oscar Cobb Bostick, Jr. (Harriett) of Birmingham; Justin Carl Peifer (Olha) of Long Beach, California; James Thomas Peifer of Birmingham; Killian Douglas Peifer of Montgomery; and Frederick Oscar Peifer of Montgomery; her great-grandchildren—Ann Coleman Leatherbury, Parker Leatherbury, Bradley Bostick, Miller Bostick, Copeland Bostick, Philip Dobbins, Mabrey Dobbins, Emma James Dobbins, Coleman Rives, Walton Rives and Oscar Cobb Bostick, III to carry forward her legacy of faith and love.

A memorial service will be held at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Selma with Rev. Steve Burton and Dr. George Wood officiating on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and visitation with the family immediately following. She will be laid to rest at New Live Oak Cemetery at a private service directed by Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church - Congregational Care Fund.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Amedisys Hospice of Montgomery and her caregivers, Yvonne Morris, Cynthia Ford, Vicky Bruce, Dee Simmons and LaKeshia Little for their loving care.