Jean J. Cox - Obituary

ean Johnson Cox, a vibrant soul who touched countless lives, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on November 11, 1928, in Buffalo, New York, Jean lived a life filled with purpose, passion, and love. As a devoted teacher for over 30 years, she inspired generations of students with her wisdom, kindness, and infectious enthusiasm. She built a legacy serving the students who needed it most, from teaching in a one-room schoolhouse to supporting children with cerebral palsy and ultimately spending 22 years helping remedial readers access the world of words. Her classroom was not only a place of learning, but a place where dreams were nurtured. Affectionately known as Mummsey, Meme, and Grammy, Jean was the heart of her family. She met her husband, Don in middle school and, throughout their seven decades together, they were devoted parents to their three beloved children, instilling in them values of compassion, resilience, and curiosity. Her family grew to include eight wonderful grandchildren and four cherished great-grandchildren, each of them a testament to her enduring legacy. Jean approached each day with energy, grace, and a zest for life that never diminished. Endlessly curious, she traveled to over 65 countries and was a voracious reader, often finishing a book and several newspapers in a day. She also served St. Stephens Episcopal Church faithfully for over 25 years, finding joy and purpose in her community. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, former students, and all those she touched with her remarkable life. Jean is survived by her husband of more than 70 years, Donald S. Cox; her three children and their spouses, Courtney and Lisa Cox, Catherine and Scott Stasny, and Curtis and Dolly Cox; her eight grandchildren and their spouses, James Cox, Jeffrey Cox, Annemarie and Cody Barnett, Jason Cox, Elizabeth and John Real, Alexander Cox and Arwin Wang, Jordan Cox, and Natasha Cox and Mason Walsh; and her four great-grandchildren, Cameron Cox, Hannah and Justin Barnett, and Theodore Real. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 2 at St. James’ Parish, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, MD 20711. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page