Mary Frances Cox

CHURCH HILL – Mary Frances Cox, 87, departed earth for her eternal home in Heaven on May 12, 2024.

She was born on May 13, 1936, to James Calvin and Lydia Ann Flanagan Blizzard in Hawkins Co. TN. Frances grew up on the family farm on Okolona Rd. near Church Hill. She was the 5th of 6 children born to J.C. and Lydia. Frances married Kelly Maurice Cox in Gate City, VA on January 8, 1955. To this union were born 5 children: Connie, Kathy, Ronald, Ricky, and Donna Kay. Frances started her schooling close to home at Bradshaws Chapel, in a one-room school, and graduated from Church Hill High School in 1955. She retired from Hawkins Co. School System after 17 years as a dedicated bus driver, for which she always had many fond memories of the children she served and her co-workers. Frances lived most of her life in and around Church Hill. She and Kelly moved to Florida for a time, and she lived with Connie in Kansas for 2 years, but her heart was always in TN. She had been a resident of Preston Place in Kingsport for the last 3.5 years and was well cared for by the wonderful staff there. Frances and Kelly were of the Methodist faith and were saved and baptized at Old Union United Methodist Church in 1966. Kelly was laid to rest in Old Union Cemetery in 1992, and now his precious Frances will finally join him.

In addition to her parents, Frances is preceded in death by her siblings, Donald Blizzard, Pauline Sizemore, and Jimmy and Harold Blizzard. She also had to endure the passing of her husband, Kelly Cox, and her 3 children, Ronald, Kathy, and Donna Kay; her great grandson, Cade Paris.

She is survived by her children, Connie Kepler (Dave) of Belle Plaine, KS and Ricky Cox of Church Hill; sister, Ruth Higgins of Church Hill; Frances was a wonderful grandmother to 4 grandchildren, Sarah, Katherine, Goldie, and Kelly; 4 great grandchildren, Jack, Piper, Kaydynce, and Simon. She loved her nieces and nephews and was proud to be called their aunt.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Old Union Cemetery. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery by 1:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Old Union Cemetery Fund, c/o Natasha Bailey, 422 Westfield Ave. Church Hill, TN 37642.