Betty Ann Cox

Published 10:26 am Thursday, January 24, 2019

Betty Ann Cox, 87, passed through this life into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019. She was born Aug. 10, 1931, to Henry Mills Riek and Neva Dell Riggs Riek in Denton, Texas. She married Dale Cox on June 12, 1953. Betty received a Bachelor’s Degree from Hardin Simmons University and Master’s Degree from Stephen F. Austin University. Betty always had a deep compassion for children and was a gifted teacher, principal and Director of Elementary Education for Tyler Independent School District. She was a member of her beloved First Baptist Church, Tyler for 56 years, where she spent 50 of those years lovingly teaching the children, singing in the choir, serving on committees and praying for others. Betty served the Lord in every aspect of her life. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Her life was full of grace and generosity, as she always displayed a servant’s heart for others. Betty is survived by her son, Greg Cox and wife Lala; daughter, Deanie McDonough and husband Nick; grandchildren, Sarah Santone and husband Jonathon, Brooke Lowthorp and husband Nathan, and Peyton McDonough and fiancee Tina Hetherington; great-grandchildren, Paxton and Addie Santone; her brother, Bob Riek and wife Marlene; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 58 years, Dale Cox. A memorial service will be held on January 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Pike Wisner officiating. A private burial will be held at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery. The family will visit with friends before and after the memorial service. Honorary pallbearers are Gene Caldwell, Curtis Owen, John Ford, Bill Henderson, Clyde Davenport and Neil Davis. If desired, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Music Ministry, 301 W. Ferguson St., Tyler, TX 75701 or Alzheimer’s Alliance, 211 Winchester Dr., Tyler, TX 75701.