Maria Eleanora Lorine Cox

She is predeceased by her adoring husband of 65 years, Herman Cox, and her parents Carl Anthony and Lillian Sassani Lorine.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Edna and Bob Rice; her sons Lonnie and Alton; her grandchildren, Stephanie, Christopher (Chip), Jason and Kelsey; her brother, Tony Lorine and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Born on August 21, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she attended West Catholic Girls’ High School and St. Joseph’s University. In 1954 Maria attended a USO party where Herman’s, a Navy Corpsman, captain introduced the two and asked Maria to teach Herman to dance. And so began their lifelong romance. The couple married on June 8, 1957, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Philadelphia. The newlyweds moved to Herman’s hometown, Florence, South Carolina and built a loving family and beautiful life.

A devout Catholic, Maria immediately joined St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Florence where the couple were parishioners for 50 plus years. Maria was an active member, she sang in the choir, was a Eucharistic Minister, and taught preschool at the Catholic elementary school. Over the years, she also participated in the parish women’s auxiliary group, holding several offices, and was awarded Parish Woman of the Year in 1993. Maria deeply loved the church community.

Teaching preschool began when she took over a preschool in town and Maria’s Preschool was born. Here she lovingly became known as Mrs. Cox the Wise Old Fox. In a few years, Herman decided to establish his own pharmacy, so Maria transitioned her preschool to St. Anthony’s Catholic Elementary School. A year later she worked at the family pharmacy full-time. Her job was accounting, but mostly and most importantly it was customer relations. She knew each customer, their families, and kept them coming back for over 40 years.

After retirement the couple decided to move closer to their adult children. When in Lexington, they joined Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church where they were members for over 20 years. In Lexington, they enjoyed their church community, family, and friends.

For the past 2 years of her life, Maria was on hospice care. When hospice nurses and other staff visited, they always left with a laugh and a smile. Each one shared how she was their favorite patient to visit, she always made them feel better. They looked forward to laughing and smiling with Mrs. Cox the Wise Old Fox.

Those who knew Maria, will remember her for her infectious laugh, joyous spirit, and her passions of faith, family, and friends. Our Mom will be missed, but we are happy and take consolation in knowing that Maria is reunited with her beloved Herman and resting in the arms of Our Heavenly Father.

A Catholic Mass in celebration of Maria’s life will be at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, S.C. 29210 at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed through Our Lady of the Hills. The family invites you to a reception to continue the celebration of Maria’s life held in the Family Life Center immediately following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Maria’s memory to Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church building fund. https://www.olhcolumbia.org/giving

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Amedisys Hospice Care, especially to Chaplain Chuck; Social Worker Kemo; and Nurse Tammy, and to Daybreak Caregivers, especially Beverly and Carolyn.