Daisy Carolyn Cox

A true joy to all who knew her, Daisy Carolyn Cox peacefully slipped into the arms of her Lord and Savior on August 7, 2019, at Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden, Arkansas. She was a resident of Smackover, Arkansas at the time of her death. Carolyn was born to James Olin and Daisy Kirby Cox, on October 7, 1938. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Those left to treasure her memory include her sister, Jaunita Corley Pyle of Smackover, her only and “favorite niece,” Sheri Corley Neely (Ronny) and two great nieces, Tiffany Neely ( Mike Burton) and Tabatha Neely Bledsoe (Zach). In addition, three great great nieces and one great great nephew, Kasynn Neely, Jonsie Bledsoe, Kaylee Thompson and Liam Bledsoe will miss their favorite Khi Khi, whom they knew as a bonus grandmother.

Carolyn grew up in the tiny community of Piney Grove, just outside Emmet, Arkansas, where she was blessed with a loving mother and father who were instrumental in creating a foundation of faith, love, encouragement and determination, which would define Carolyn and her approach to every endeavor for the rest of her life. It was also here that she formed a strong bond with her sister and best friend, Jaunita.

Carolyn attended school in the Emmet Public School System, where she stood out as a basketball player and graduated with high honors as the Valedictorian of her class. Following high school graduation, Carolyn earned a Bachelor of Science in Education at Henderson State Teachers College, now known as Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and a Master of Mathematics degree at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana.

Carolyn began her career as a math teacher at Bryant High School in Bryant, Arkansas. Thereafter, she moved to Texas where she first taught math at Marshall High School in Marshall, Texas and then in Tyler, Texas at John Tyler High School where she also taught math and served as Director of Mathematics, and where she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. After over 30 years as an educator, she retired and moved to Smackover, Arkansas where she enjoyed her family, made many new friends and began a new chapter of life.

Callie, as some know her, adopted her new home with energy and zest that was refreshing to all who crossed her path. A lifelong Methodist, her priority was to find a church home, which she did at First United Methodist Church in Smackover. As Callie had always done, she embraced her new church home and its activities as a member of the Vera Olive Sunday School Class, serving on several church standing committees, volunteered her time in the after-school program and served on the backpack committee. Callie was steadfast in her faith and it showed in every facet of her life.

Family was very important to Carolyn, and she became a staple in the lives of her great nieces, and great great nieces and nephew. Always showing great interest in each of their lives, she enthusiastically made it a point to attend their activities and support each of them in every way possible, while also encouraging them to always be the best they can be. More than an aunt, she was a bonus grandparent, and they eagerly anticipated her every appearance. She also cherished every moment spent with her sister and niece.

Carolyn made the most of every day of her retirement whether she was participating in new endeavors or continuing to do things that had always been dear to her heart. A lifelong learner, she loved to read, work puzzles and never shied away from new experiences. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing tennis, bingo and sports of any variety. Carolyn joined the Smackover Garden Club, Belles of Bunko and the Ladies Golf Association at Pine Hills Country Club and actively participated in each. Always ready to see the Arkansas Razorbacks in action, she was a true Razorback fan. Her trips to Branson, Missouri with the First Baptist Church JOY Club and attending the annual Girlie Party were two of the highlights of every Christmas season.

Wherever Carolyn went, she made friends easily and was known for her quick wit and cleverness! Her fingerprints remain on many lives, as she has taught, encouraged, advised, and by example, created an optimistic spirit in many people of all walks of life. She leaves a legacy of faithfulness to her Lord and Savior, as well as the importance and meaning of being a Christian. She was blessed with the gift of helping others to feel better about themselves and always left any situation better than she found it. An inspiration and the epitome of poise and grace, she now joyfully resides in her heavenly home.

In addition to her family, Carolyn leaves behind, to cherish her memory, her “family by choice,” Darryl Lynn Minor, Ruth Strauch and Lacy Humphreys.

The family wishes to convey their thankfulness for Carolyn’s medical care to Dr. Richard Davis, Karen Everett, RNP; Dr. Balagopalan Nair, CARTI, Dr. Lawrence Braden, Ouachita County Home Health, and Ouachita County Medical Center Hospice and their nurses.

Services will be under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home in El Dorado, Arkansas. On Saturday, August 17, 2019, a service to celebrate the life of Carolyn Cox will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Young's Chapel. For those who would like to visit with her family, visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.

The family requests memorials to be made to First United Methodist Church, 500 West 7th Street, Smackover, Arkansas 71762, the SHS Class of 1979/Tim Jones Memorial Fund, in care of Smackover High School, #1 Buckaroo Lane, Smackover, Arkansas 71762, Ouachita County Medical Center Hospice, P. O. Box 797, Camden, Arkansas 71701, or the donor’s choice.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com