Betty Cox (nee Peterson), age 88, passed away at Sycamore Village in Belleville, Illinois, on June 14, 2018. She is survived by her husband, Tom Cox, her daughter Bari Musgrove, son-in-law Jim Musgrove, and her three grandchildren Lezleigh, Brendan, and Faith Musgrove, her older brother Guy "Pete" and Yolonde Peterson, two nieces, and two nephews. She was a member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Belleville, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Jim Peterson, Helen Davis, and Vera Gentry. After graduating from SUI Carbondale, Betty began working as a kindergarten teacher. During her 35 years of teaching, she touched the hearts of many of her students, through which her memory will continue to live on. Betty married the love of her life in 1953 and their 64 year fairytale blessed them with their daughter, which they raised in Belleville. Betty enjoyed dancing, television, and her guilty pleasure was chocolate. She belonged to The Moose Lodge in Belleville, Illinois, where she and Tom danced many Country Western nights away. Betty found joy in music, family, and her strong faith in God that never wavered. As we say "goodbye," her heavenly family says "hello," with open arm and cheering voices.
Services to celebrate Betty’s life will be held 7:00 p.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL. Friends may gather with the family from 5:00 until the start of the service.
Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis 2320 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 or Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital 1465 S. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63104.
