Donna Schwendimann Cox

Donna Cox, the most Loving, Giving & Brilliant person you would ever meet went home to Celebrate Eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 84 on January 22, 2026.

Donna was born in Nashville, Tennessee on January 11, 1942 to Maxwell and Gladys Schwendimann. Donna was the only daughter between two brothers, her older brother Bobby and younger brother Dennis.

In 1959, she graduated from Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville, FL. She played the clarinet, and was Head Majorette her Junior and Senior year.

In 1963, a young Navy officer by the name of Charles Cox was smitten when he saw Donna. Two years later, in the August of 1965, Charles and Donna were married and planning their future - a beautiful family. They raised three girls - Lynette, Elisa and Debbie.

In 1969, they made a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Their Life Changed Forever!

Once becoming a member of Bethlehem Baptist in Fairfax, Virginia, Donna was devoted to becoming a servant of the Lord. Throughout the years, she began helping in the church nursery, teaching Sunday School for Pre-School and Elementary girls, and eventually teaching Etiquette Courses and College & Career Courses for Junior High & Senior High Students.

Donna was a perfectionist, and it showed in her ability as a Cheerleading Coach for Bethlehem Baptist Christian Academy. She brought the team to competition status, and they won 2nd place one time & 1st place three times against schools that were much larger. The team would have bake sales, and Donna was known for her delicious and beautifully decorated cupcakes.

Years after moving back to Jacksonville, Donna began teaching a Sunday School Class to Senior Ladies. Her class began with a few and grew to 55 ladies because her teachings were filled with knowledge, inspiration and the Love of our Lord. Donna would spend a minimum of 15 hours a week preparing for each lesson - with her KJV Bible in the center and numerous reference books open all around the office.

Her study of God’s Word is unparalleled. She consistently read the Bible twice a year, and some chapters even more. There was one year she read it nine times - imagine that! If you were to visit her home, you would know that Donna read a library full of Biblical study books and commentaries. Donna was a devout and disciplined student of God’s Holy Word.

The Bible teaches in 2 Corinthians 9:7 to be a cheerful giver, and Donna followed this fully. She gave from her heart to numerous Christian charities and organizations. No matter what the need, whether financial or in action, Donna was always there for family and friends. She would spend days organizing the most elaborate parties, and loved every minute of it. Giving to the ones she loved filled her heart.

Donna’s faith carried her through every season of life, and her trust in God never wavered. As her health was declining, one of her therapist asked her why was she still here. Donna said “Because this is where my Lord wants me to be”. She made a huge impact on many lives with her strength in character and her Love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Donna is survived by her Loving a Devoted husband, Charles Lee Cox, Jr.; her children Lynette Wendland, Elisa (Grady) Robinson, and Deborah (Richard) Zarlenga; her brother Dennis (Donna) Schwendimann; and grandchildren, Creighton, Jynette, Brandon, Christopher, Austin, Lauren, Victoria and Richey.