Jean Cox

Jean Franke Cox died peacefully in her sleep on November 25, 2016 after a hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer. Jean was born on September 23, 1926 in Mt. Brook, Alabama. Her ancestors were some of the earliest settlers in Jefferson and Shelby County. Her father, Will F. Franke, was one of the original partners in the incorporation of Mt. Brook Estates in 1926. She graduated from Mt. Brook Elementary School, Shades Cahaba High School and Birmingham Southern College. At Southern she was an honors student, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha social sorority and a campus beauty. In 1946 she married Blair Cox. After living in Sylacauga, Alabama and Chicago, Illinois, they settled in Birmingham to raise their family. Jean was a devoted mother and dedicated civic volunteer until her husband’s untimely death in 1965. From 1965 until her retirement over 30 years later, she helped manage Birmingham Mop Manufacturing Company, of which she was a minority owner, while continuing to perform her motherly duties at a high level of devotion.

Jean was predeceased by her husband, Blair Cox, her parents, Will F. and Velma Wilson Franke, her grandson, Edward Cox, and her siblings, Mary Hughes Williams, Francis Nelson and Bill Franke. She is survived by her children, Blair Cox Jr. (Bimi), Carolyn Jeff (Doug), David Cox (Laura) and Margaret Manuel (Don). She is also survived by her grandchildren James Gunter, Allan Gunter, Tommy Cox (Virginia), John Jeff, Ellen Cox, David Cox Jr., Carter Manuel (Margaret), Wilson Manuel (Polly) and Caroline DeBardeleben (Prince) and by her great grandchildren Libba Manuel, Louisa DeBardeleben and Emmaline Manuel.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road, Mt. Brook, Alabama, 35213. Visitation will follow the service in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.