Avis de décès de Mary-Catharine Cox - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

Mary Catharine Davis Cox, 91, passed away peacefully Dec. 3, 2014, at Sunrise of Cary in Cary, N.C. The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Sunrise of Cary and Heartland Hospice for their tireless devotion and loving care to whom they affectionately called "Mama Cat."Cathy was born Aug. 3, 1923, in the small southern town of Pittsview, Ala., to William Henry Davis and Ina Burt Davis. Growing up in Pittsview, she was active in the Methodist Church and began teaching Sunday School on the steps of the church at age 10. She was an excellent student and excelled in basketball.Because of her tremendous athleticism, she was placed on the Pittsview High School varsity basketball team when she was in the 6th grade. She continued on the team as a star player until her high school graduation.After graduation, she attended Columbus City Hospital School of Nursing in Columbus, Georgia, and received her nursing degree.In 1944, Cathy married Dr. Edward Rutledge Freeman in Columbus, Georgia. They lived in Columbus for several months before moving to Phenix City, Alabama. They had two daughters, Tomie Ann and Ina Frances.After the untimely death of Rutledge in 1950, Cathy continued her education in nursing and graduated from Charity Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana, in the School of Anesthesia. As a nurse anesthetist, she worked in the profession that she loved.In 1956, Cathy married Robert O. Cox, lawyer, of Killen, Alabama. After moving to Florence, Alabama, she continued in her profession as a nurse anesthetist and was employed by ECM Hospital, Florence, Alabama, for several years until the birth of their daughter, Laura Bess. She devoted her time to her husband, her children, and her church.Cathy was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. After moving to Florence, the family joined The First United Methodist Church of Florence. She was an active member of the church for 50 plus years and served as chairperson of the Altar Guild for years. While she was serving as chairperson, planning began for needlepoint altar kneelers in the Sanctuary and in the chapel of the church. The project took four years from beginning to completion.She was a charter member and teacher of the Vivian Davis Bible Study Group and a member of the Mary-Douglas Bender Sunday School Class. Cathy also worked faithfully throughout the years on the ornaments that adorn the Chrismon Tree. She was always available to complete any task asked of her.Cathy was introduced to golf in 1951 by her brother, John. She became an avid golfer, which continued throughout her life. She was a member of Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club, where she won 19 consecutive Women's Gold Club championships. She loved to walk the Turtle Point golf course and check on the bluebird houses that had been built by her husband, Bob. She reported her findings to the National Audubon Society.Active in the golf community, she helped organize the American Cancer Society Women's Golf Tournament and served as chairperson of the event for six years. If someone were to ask her husband where they could find Cathy, his answer was always the same, "She's either at the church or on the golf diamond."Cathy's family was always amazed at her endless energy and enthusiasm. She was a gracious hostess and loved being surrounded by her family and friends. One of her favorite places to entertain was at "The Camp." The memories that she left her family and friends of those special times will never be forgotten. Cathy just had "that special touch." Cathy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother William Henry Davis, Jr., and by Robert O. Cox, her husband of 50 years.She is survived by her daughters, Ms. Tomie Ann Cox Burdine, of Las Vegas, Nev., Mrs. Ina Frances Cox Krebs (Van), of Cary, N.C., and Ms. Laura Bess Cox Abare, of Jacksonville, Fla; and her grandchildren, Ms. Frances Virden Robinson, Michael Lowber Virden, Jr. (Jessica), Robert Davis Virden, William Van Krebs, Jr. (Mollie), Christopher Cox Krebs (Emily), John Davis Krebs and Robert Christopher Abare. Also surviving are great grandchildren Davis Briley Jamison, Sarah Frances Krebs, Catharine Ballard Krebs, Henry David Krebs, Anna Catharine Krebs and Charles William Krebs.She was affectionately known as "Mama Cathy" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her devoted brother, John Gardner Davis, her brothers-in-law Bradley T. Cox and James William Cox, and a host of nieces, including namesake Catharine Davis Gillespie, nephews, and cousins.The celebration of her life and new life will be held at First United Methodist Church in downtown Florence on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary with the service to follow at 11 a.m. The Reverend Robert Sparkman will officiate. Interment will be at Greenview Memorial Park in Florence, Ala.Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Fran Robinson, Michael Virden, Robert Virden, William Krebs, Christopher Krebs, John Davis Krebs and Robert Abare.Elkins Funeral Home of Florence, Alabama, will handle the funeral arrangements. The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to The First United Methodist Church of Florence, Ala, to The Methodist Children's Home, or to a charitable foundation of your choice.You are invited to sign the on-line guest registry at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.Cathy's family would especially like to thank all of our extended family and friends for their never ceasing love, prayers and support. Catharine was devoted to her Lord Jesus, her church, her family and friends. She was truly a beautiful Southern Lady.