Theresa Cox

Theresa L. Cox, 91, formerly of Johnston City, Ill., died at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, at her home.

She was born June 24, 1915, in Marion, Ill., the daughter of Thomas C. and Margaret Dempsey Harris, and the youngest of seven children. She and Edward I. Cox were married Aug. 11, 1935. He died April 9, 1990.

Theresa and Ed worked in the 1960s as "cottage parents" at the Children's Center in Hurst-Bush. Theresa then worked for National Transformer until her retirement. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Johnston City and volunteered many years teaching Sunday school and Bible school.

After her husband's death, she moved to Charleston, Ill., where she was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She spent most winters in Houston and Dallas, Texas, until moving to Heritage Woods Assisted Living Center in Benton, Ill., in 2005. When asked what she was most proud of she would always say her five children and their families. But, truth be told, it was when she obtained her driver's license for the first time at age 62.

Theresa leaves behind her loving children, Jim (Carla) Cox of Affton, Mo., Nancy (the late Bud) Williams of Marion, Tom (Toni) Cox of Charleston, Ill., Mary "Cookie" (Dennis) McDowell of Charlottesville, Va., Joan (Carson) Kelley of Cape Girardeau; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Cox was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four sisters, two brothers and a son-in-law.

At her request, her body will be donated to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, but her soul and spirit will live on for all those who loved her.

There will be no public service. Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home in Benton, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, Va., 22038-1131.

For more information or to sign the memorial guest register visit www.hobbsjohnsonfuneralhome.com.