Margaret "Mana" G. Cox

Margaret (Garner) Cox, of Grand Prairie, Texas, age 106, left her earthly home peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born December 23, 1919, in Moody, Texas to C.C. & Agnes Garner.

Margaret graduated from Rosenburg High School, Howard Payne University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and finished school with a Master of Religious Education degree. She taught for 24 years at Bowie Elementary School in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Margaret was a loving, joyful, caring woman of faith whose laughter and smile filled the room. She enjoyed sharing her baking skills with others by providing memorable birthday cakes for family members, taking desserts to social gatherings and sharing her candy confections with her community. Among the family favorite Mana recipes were her cinnamon rolls.

Margaret met the love of her life, Irby R. Cox, at Howard Payne University. They married on December 27, 1941, and were married for almost 74 years prior to his death in November 2015. Being the wife of a minister, she was always by his side to support him. Margaret led numerous workshops for teaching children, was a long time Sunday School teacher, and sang in the church choir. She was his constant assistant and helped at the Baptist General Convention of Texas as a co-Registration Secretary for 35 years.

Margaret was recognized as an honorary Life Member of the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers, received the certificate of Life Membership from the Texas State Teachers Association, and was a lifelong member of the Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary sorority for Women Educators.

Margaret was proceeded in death by husband, Irby R. Cox, her parents C.C. and Agnes Garner, younger sisters, Agnes Garner, Charleyne Brooks, and brother-in-law, Clive Brooks. She is survived by sons John W Cox (Alice) from Arlington, Texas and Irby Cox from Canton, Michigan. Grandchildren: Amy Cox, Nathan Cox, Benjamin (Amelia) Cox, and Matthew (Jordan) Cox. Great Grandchildren: Gavin Cox, Harper Cox, Poppy Cox, Ellington Cox, and Nolan Cox.

Nephews: Charles Brooks, Tim (Jan) Brooks, and Grand Nephews: A.J. Brooks (Kate) and Scott Brooks (Marci) and Grand Nieces: Abby Brooks Callahan (Sean) and Jennifer Brooks Gamblin (Erik). Great Grand Nephews: Joshua Brooks, Deacon Brooks, Brooks Gamblin Crew Brooks. Great Grand Nieces: Kate Brooks, Annie Gamblin, Abbie Gamblin, Nora Callahan, Liza Callahan, Maggie Brooks, and Scottie Mae Brooks.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated for any of the following:

MONROE CARELL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT VANDERBILT

VANDERBILT GIFT PROCESSING OFFICE

PMB 407727

2301 VANDERBILT PLACE

NASHVILLE, TN 37240-7727

(Checks can be made to Monroe Carell Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Allocation #14509 should be placed in the memo line)

IMMUNE DEFICIENCY FOUNDATION

110 WEST ROAD, SUITE 300

TOWSON, MD 21204-4843

OR online at

www.primaryimmune.org/appeal

OR

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA (MGFA)

Donations through one of the following:

MGFA Donation Page

Checks mailed to:

MGFA

290 TURNPIKE ROAD, SUITE 5-315

Westborough, MA 01581

Phone: 617-465-0513