Joice Cox

Joice (Christian) Cox, of Swansea, MA died Saturday, April 20, in New Bedford, MA surrounded by her family. She was 87. She was the wife of the late John E. "Jack" Cox, Jr. Born in Appomattox, Virginia, Mrs. Cox was a daughter of the late Dr. David A. Christian Jr. and Bessie (Stratton) Christian. The valedictorian of Appomattox High School's Class of 1950, she went on to pursue her bachelor's degree as a pre-med student at Wellesley College, Class of 1954. Her studies were interrupted two years later after she met her future husband during a visit to Mr. Cox's Yale campus, and the pair entered into a loving marriage that lasted until his death 56 years later. They made their home in Swansea, MA and raised four children. Mrs. Cox was an active volunteer and was engaged in many organizations and charitable causes. She was a member of the Rhode Island Wellesley Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a former member of the Truesdale Hospital Auxiliary, the Swansea Garden Club, the Swansea and Fall River Historical Societies, the Junior League of Fall River, the Fall River Woman's Club, and the Quequechan Club and New Bedford Country Club bowling leagues. She was a former member of the Cedar Cove Club and the Cole’s River Club in Swansea, MA. Joice and her husband were founding members of the Fall River Marine Museum. Along with her husband, she chaired the Swansea Tercentenary Ball in 1967. Later in her marriage, she forged a successful career as a regional manager for a major national retail chain. She had a powerful determination in facing the many challenges in her life, and passion for all that she did. She had a generosity of spirit and a joyful nature that she shared freely with all she knew and met. She was an avid reader. With her husband, she enjoyed boating, traveling, gardening, and most of all, spending time with her family. She is survived by three daughters, Cynthia C. Gilliam and her spouse P.R. of Swansea, Deborah J. Doherty and her spouse Stephen H of Appomattox, Va., Linda E. Cox of Swansea; one son, John E. Cox III and his spouse Sunny of Rome, Ga.; nine grandchildren, Victoria, Christian, John, Catherine, Haley, Meredith, J. Alex, Jade and Samanda; one great-granddaughter, Bella, and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late A. Virginia Koos, Catherine Byerly, Bess Thompson, Mildred Harris, David A. Christian III, Chesley, William and Charles Christian. Private services were held at the Christian Family Cemetery in Vera, Virginia. Contributions in her honor may be made to the Swansea Public Library Gift Fund, 69 Main St., Swansea, MA 02777. For tributes, please visit www.robinsonfuneral.com.