Miss Holcombe, Former U.A. Teacher, Dies
Miss Jobelle Holcombe, daughter of a pioneer family of Springdale and for many years a member of the University faculty, died this morning in a Fayetteville hospital.
She was born in Springdale, Feb. 5, 1877, the daughter of Joseph Holcombe and Belle Smith Holcombe. After graduating from the University she received a master’s degree from Cornell University. She taught at the University of Arkansas for many years, serving at one time as dean of women. She was one of five who founded the Chi Omega sorority. Holcombe Hall, a women’s dormitory, is named in her honor. She served as librarian at the Fayetteville Library, and took part in a number of civic enterprises. She as a member of the Unitarian Fellowship.
Miss Holcombe received a honorary doctor’s degree from the University in 1947.
Survivors are a number of nieces and nephews including Dr. Ruth Lesh and Miss Elizabeth Ellis of Fayetteville, George Holcomb Jr. of Fayetteville, Kenneth Holcomb of Memphis, Charles Holcomb of Longview, Texas, Joe Holcomb of Fayetteville, Richard Holcomb of New York City, Crawford Holcomb of Jackson, Tenn., and Depree Deaver of Springdale.
Funeral plans will be announced.
Editor’s Note: While her Springdale family used “Holcomb” without an “e” on the end, Jobelle adopted the “e” at the end after hearing that ancestors had included an “e” at the end of the name.