An obituary for Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr., detailed their close dynamic.
“Robert loved his parents with a fierce and unwavering devotion, and his mother was his closest confidante,” the online obituary reads. “His first and greatest love, however, was for God. Baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Ghost, he was cherished as the First Son of the Faith Temple Pentecostal Churches.”
According to the statement, Robert’s faith “guided him throughout his life.”
“He shared his journey — its triumphs and its trials — with courage and sincerity, touching countless lives,” the note added. “Just recently, before his passing, he expressed to his cousin his longing to see and meet his great-grandmother, Dr. Rosemary ‘Redmon’ Cosby.”
Rosemary, Mary’s beloved grandmother, founded the Faith Temple Pentecostal Churches. Mary’s husband, Robert Cosby Sr., is now the bishop of the church. He was previously married to Rosemary before her death in 1997. (Mary, now 53, followed Rosemary’s request for her to marry Robert Sr. after her death.)
Upon her marriage, Mary has dutifully served as Robert Sr.’s first lady of the church. The couple were proud parents of Robert, who was their only child. He died on February 23 after a suspected overdose.
“Robert is survived by his devoted parents, a large extended family, the entire Faith Temple Pentecostal Church, his pets … and many beautiful and caring friends around the world,” his obituary concluded. “His light, love and legacy will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him and the many he inspired.”
A cause of death for Robert Jr. has not been publicly shared as Mary and Robert Sr. mourn his loss.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star told Us Weekly in a statement last month. “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”
Throughout Mary’s tenure on Bravo’s RHOSLC, she and Robert Jr. have openly shared his struggles with substance abuse.
“That actually, truly shocked me,” Mary exclusively told Us in a 2025 cover story of initially learning of her son’s addiction. “I immediately started blaming myself, because I thought, ‘You can’t judge him and his life and his choices.’ I don’t believe in judging people. I’m just not a judger. I don’t like judging people, and I don’t like to do it.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
