Ruth Joan Cox

Joan Cox was born the 3rd of January 1927, the only child of Alice and Felix Ahlfeld. Growing up in Riverdale New York amid a happy family setting that included her cousins, two cherished grandmothers, and her mother’s famous brother, the acclaimed artist and illustrator Fritz Eichenberg, Joan was exposed to a fascinating social milieu. She became a surgical nurse in New York’s Bellevue Hospital, where she worked until meeting William J. Cox, Jr., a district geologist with the Standard Oil Company (today, Exxon).

After marrying in New York in 1957, she moved to Venezuela, where Bill eventually became the Chief Geologist for Creole Oil Company (the local operating arm of Standard). Upon nationalization of Creole, Joan and Bill moved to Houston with their two sons.

Living in Timbergrove, Joan was a member of Delphians. She was involved in school activities at Sinclair Elementary, Hamilton Jr. High, and Waltrip High School, where her sons attended. Joan and Bill moved to Tarrytowne Estates in 2005, where she continued to reside until her passing.

Joan and Bill loved to travel, especially to Europe and the Caribbean. She loved her friends, daily card games, and other activities that filled her days. She lived independently, enjoying life, until her sudden departure. She passed peacefully early Sunday morning, the 26th of June, with her family by her bedside.

Joan is survived by her two sons, William and John, their wives Denise and Lydia, her four grandchildren Katelyn, Alex, Michael (“Mac”), and Christopher; and, by her beloved cousin Suzanne Jensen. Both sons are retired military officers.

She was laid to rest at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, beside her beloved husband, mother, father and grandmother. Friends wishing to remember her are asked to make a donation to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of their choice.