Marilou was born October 25, 1922 in Texarkana, Texas. She received a Masters Degree in Library Science from East Texas State University. She retired from the Arkansas Independent School District where she worked as a first and second grade teacher, organized and created the College Hill Elementary Library and also the College Hill Junior High Library. She was a life time member of Beech Street Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Herman Bailes Cox Sr.; grandson, Sean Christopher Price; her parents H. E. and Mattie Redding, and her three sisters, Alice Cunningham, Laura Jane Barclay, and Edwina Garrison.
Survivors include her four children Herman (Buddy) Bailes Cox, Jr (Mary), Eddie Cox (Lynda), Marilou Lewis, and Jim Cox (Jan); 12 Grandchildren; and 25 great grandchildren.
Marilou was a talented musician, starting at an early age. She learned to play piano and was an organist at a local church. She played marimba in high school and was one of 120 Marimba players selected to play in a Marimba Symphony Orchestra. She graduated high school at the age of 16.
Marilou married Herman Cox in 1942 and became a stay at home mom for many years. She was a Boy Scout Den Mother and volunteered for many charitable organizations. She graduated from Henderson State University in 1960 and her Master’s Degree in Library Science in 1973. She was a determined student. She loved learning and continued to be a “student” her entire life. She was interested in ceramics so she became a certified ceramic teacher. When computers became more common, she immediately started taking classes to learn how to use a computer. She did not want to be left behind because of her lack of knowledge. If she didn’t know how to do something, she read about it until she felt confident to do it. When Facebook came along, she wanted to learn about that to keep up with her grandkids. She got her first iPad when she turned 90.
Her volunteer work included American Red Cross Volunteer Motor Corps in 1941, Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association, 25 years service to the Texarkana Ark, Classroom Teachers Association, St Michael’s Hospital Guild (Serving as V Pres and President), she gave over 2500 hours of volunteer hours at St Michael’s Hospital, a member of the Junior League of Texarkana (1954-1961), Daughters of the American Revolution since 1981, Texarkana Library Commission, Delta Kappa Gamma since 1964 and a board member of the Texarkana Public Library.
In 1971, Marilou became a grandmother for the first time. From then on, she was known to many, not only her grandkids and great grandkids, but others, as Granny. Everyone called her Granny, even if she wasn’t their Granny. She loved being Granny. Many times she was stern, but always fair and there for each of them in their time of need. She loved to give her grandkids special times. Sometimes she would give a grandkid money, shopping trips, cooking with them, playing games with them, and just special times for each grandkid.
Granny’s hobbies included knitting, crewel work, puzzles, crossword puzzles, cards, board games with the grandkids, growing tomatoes for her friends, teaching each of the grandkids Blackjack She loved cruises and enjoyed many with Herman and his family. She enjoyed special times at Albert Pike with Jim and the extended families. Her favorite card game was bridge which she enjoyed weekly until the last two months of her life
Marilou, Mom, Granny, Great Granny, or whatever name she was called, she was special in so many ways. She gave her life to her family, friends and the community with her many hours of time, talent, and service. Her later years didn’t allow her to continue in many of these things but she was always the one person you could count on in your time of need.
A special thanks to Heritage Home Health and Hospice for their excellent service during a stressful time. They helped our family take the steps necessary to make our mom’s last days comfortable and easier.
Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, December 19. 2022 at East Memorial Chapel – Moores Lane with Rev. Steve Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park under the direction of East Funeral Home – Moores Lane, Texarkana, Texas.
Family will receive friends from 1 – 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, prior to service.
Pall bears: Chaye Massey, Todd Baker, Spencer Price, Dana Cox, Carolyn Fiallo and Michael Crawford.
Honorary Pall bears: Todd Price, Matt Butler, Bill Dolny, Patrick Favila, and Bobby Elizarraraz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heritage Home Health and Hospice, 4605 Texas Blvd, Texarkana, Texas 75503 or the charity of your choice.
Online tributes may be submitted to www.eastfuneralhomes.com.
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