Mary Cox

Mary Etta Cox, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia.  She was born on Thanksgiving Day, and coincidentally passed away on Thanksgiving Day.  Mary was a fighter, and we know she was holding out for her birthday.  She was born in 1931 to parents, Etta cand Charles Robbins.  Mary lived her entire life in her beloved hometown of Navarre, Florida.  As a young girl, Mary Etta loved being near the water and spent a lot of time crabbing and fishing.   As she grew older, everyone knew she made the best fried mullet one has ever had.  In high school, she was a drum majorette, played an instrument in her school band, and dreamed of going to college.  However, Mary instead became a devoted wife and mother of seven children.  She worked hard to provide for her family and retired from the Santa Rosa County School System.  Those who knew her well called her “Murm,” or “Big Murm.”  Some of Mary’s favorite things included going on cruises, working in her yard, spending time with her puppies, cooking and baking, and collecting Tiffany lamps.  She was an independent woman that never asked for help from anyone.  Mary took pride in taking care of herself and her home.  In her final years, circumstances did not allow for Mary to be alone anymore.  Fortunately, she was well taken care of in her daughter Jean’s home.  She was loved until her very last moments on this Earth.  She was the rock of her family and will be forever missed.

Mary is survived by her children, Thomas Cox (Joyce), Jean Bunch (Jim), Joseph Cox (Amy), Tina Clanton (Brian), Carlene Lewis (William), and Johnie Cox; sisters, Myrtle Checkley (Joe) and Lola Comans; grandchildren, Jason Cox, Sr., Jamie Cortijo (Jorge), Brian Bunch, Carla Lewis, Steven Lewis, Philip Lewis, Nitasha Simpson, Billy Simpson, Patrick Cox, Daniel Clanton, and Nicholas Clanton; and numerous great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Etta and Charles Robbins; and her daughter Rita Cox.

Soon after Mary’s passing, her oldest grandchild, Jason Cox, Sr. passed away unexpectedly.  Their ashes will be sent out to sea together in Destin Harbor at 3:30pm, Sunday, July 18, 2021 aboard the Destin Princess.  They loved the ocean, and they will forever float on.