Nellie K Cox

Nellie Cox was born September 5, 1917. She passed away peacefully July 17, 2017, under the care of Arkansas Hospice at CHI St. Vincent’s Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Nellie was the fourth of five children born to Darwin Russell and Minnie Akins Clark. She was born and raised in Jamestown, NY, a small town in the western end of the state. She attended Jamestown schools and graduated from Jamestown High School. Nellie lived a long life, 99 years 10 months and 12 days, and outlived most of her friends and relatives. Predeceasing her were two brothers and two sisters: Frank Clark, Lynn Clark, Virginia Slittler, and Barbara Kratts. Surviving her are three nieces and a nephew: Naomi Norton of Cheektowaga, NY, Julie Ahearn (Vinny) of Palm Beach Shores, FL, Carolyn Colwell of Fairport, NY, and Charlie Kratts (Gail) of Bismarck, Arkansas. Also several great, and great great, nieces and nephews.

Due to the effects of the great depression in the 1930’s, there was no money to send her to college. Nellie found her way in the world in another way. On December 2, 1944 she married the love of her life, Joe Cox. Joe was destined to make service to his country in the U.S. Navy his career. Together they lived in many interesting places, as Joe’s assignments took them to Maine, New Jersey, Maryland and Tennessee. In the 1950’s they spent several years in Taiwan (then called Formosa), and the Caribbean island of Trinidad. Finally in 1956, Joe was stationed at San Diego where they set down roots and made their home.

In April 1981 following 25 years of service, Nellie retired from her position as Retail Supervisor at the Navy Exchange Store. Joe had unexpectedly passed away in 1978, but Nellie kept busy in the following years with travel, volunteer work at the Harborside Elementary School in Chula Vista, and sponsorship/volunteer support of Little League baseball. Nellie loved her church and was active in groups and activities at South Bay Baptist Church.

Throughout her life Nellie was faced with many serious medical conditions, and the loss of her husband too early. She always kept a very positive attitude and overcame her challenges. She was generous. She had a special smile. When her health failed at the end, she moved to Arkansas to be near family. She resided at an assisted living facility where the staff and residents called her Sunshine!