Nelda Jean Cox

Nelda Jean Cox, 91, died on Friday, November 13, 2020 at Ascension St. Vincent, from complications of Covid-19. She was born in Dwight, Illinois on October 31, 1929 to the late Henry and Anna Van Meter. Jean lived life to the fullest and loved nothing more than being with her family. She enjoyed traveling with her beloved husband Don and they had many wonderful adventures together. Her favorite trips were to visit loved ones, including a treasured trip to the Far East to visit Don’s brother. A flight on Air Force One with President Gerald Ford was also a fond memory. She served as a volunteer in the Evansville Community since the 1960s. For several years she was a Pink Lady at Deaconess Hospital. She enjoyed visiting Nursing Home residents with her little Yorkie, Muffin (probably Evansville’s first unofficial Therapy Dog!) and later her little Yorkie, Annie. She also volunteered at Welborn Hospital as well as the American Red Cross in the Blood Donor Center and at blood drives. Her most recent volunteer position was at the St. Vincent Epworth Crossing Breast Center. She enjoyed volunteering there every week and loved interacting with the employees who became her ‘work family’ as well as assisting the patients. She was a former employee of the Civil Service in Norfolk, VA; WROZ radio station and Casino Aztar in the Accounting Department. She was a former member of the Evansville Country Club and the Kennel Club. In 1989 she was honored to become a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Don, in 2005. Also preceding her was son Bruce Rexing, daughter Jeri Haggard, brothers Bob Van Meter, Jack Van Meter, Gerald Van Meter and nephew Andy Van Meter. She is survived by her daughter Dianne Diekhoff, son Brian Rexing, daughter Denise Hannon and son-in-law Dr. Tim Hannon. Grandchildren Lawren Green (Scott), Mandy Eddmenson, Brandon Rexing, Gabe Rexing (Angelica), Dr. Matt Hannon (Bridget), Pat Hannon (Amanda), Madison Hannon, Drew Haggard (Ginny), Stephanie Mickler (Casey) and Jennifer Bouaziz (Rafik). Great Grandchildren Jessica Appel, Brian Eddmenson (Samantha), William, Sammy & Sunny Feury, Brody, Jaxon & Remington Rexing, Abbygayle Rexing, Elwood Hannon, Jack & Reese Haggard, Austin Mickler, Khaled & Moussa Bouaziz. Great-Great Grandchildren Hazel & Ruby Goble, (Jessica’s daughters). She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Madden (Jack), Lois Van Meter and many beloved nieces and nephews. Also left to cherish her memory, her precious little Yorkie, Honey. A visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue. The maximum number at any given time will be 50 people and properly worn masks are required. A private family funeral Mass will follow where the mask requirement will continue. She will be buried at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vanderburgh County Humane Society or your favorite charity. And please, please wear a mask during this Covid-19 pandemic. A special thank you to Primrose Retirement Community of Newburgh. The loving staff became part of her extended family and she loved them dearly. Also, an enormous amount of gratitude to the outstanding staff at Ascension St. Vincent, who treated her with the greatest of care and compassion. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.