Lynda Dale Cox

Lynda Dale Turnbull Cox of Houston/Sienna/Missouri City, born on June 22, 1943, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to William Rennick Turnbull and Shirley Margaret Middleton. Lynda was the first of eight children born to Bill and Shirley, followed by brothers Kevin and Paul, then sisters Dianne, Mary Beth, Kelli, Ellen and Sheila. Lynda passed peacefully at the age of 80 on Sunday August 13, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Lynda was preceded in death and welcomed to Heaven by her parents, Shirley and William Turnbull; her brothers, Kevin Turnbull and Paul Turnbull; and her sister Dianne Turnbull Wilson. She was also preceded in death by her long-time love, Norman Cox.

With 4 small children in Canada, her parents immigrated to the United States and headed for Texas. There was plenty of work in Texas in the 50’s and although hard to believe – they settled in Houston to help ease Lynda’s asthma. Lynda was raised in a strong Catholic family, attended Catholic schools, and took on an early role as second mother to her younger siblings.

Lynda was married to Charles Cox (divorced) with whom she brought 2 sons into this world. Kevin Eugene Cox is her oldest son. Lynda was so excited to tell her mother in person of her pregnancy, only to be out done by her mother’s response of her own pregnancy. Her younger son, Christopher Martin Cox, followed a few years later. Lynda was a career woman before it was a thing and worked her way up the ranks at Prudential Insurance Company where she retired before she was 50. While a working woman, she was always dressed to the 9’s with the perfect outfit and matching snakeskin high heel shoes. Lynda was an avid Elvis fan and listened to his music often. She passed on this love to her granddaughter, Kimmi, and even took her to an Elvis festival in Canada. Lynda loved to dance; loved to gamble; was overjoyed playing cards of any kind – but mostly bridge; she thrived shopping and finding a bargain; she loved her shows on TV and dared to “double feature” at the movie theaters; she practiced patience on many 1000+ piece puzzles; she was always honored to be asked for advice, wisdom and knowledge; but her greatest love was spending time with her family – near and far.

Lynda considered herself the matriarch of the family after her mother’s passing in 1977 and referred to herself as Queen Bee Lynda, a name that easily stuck! It was important to her that all her family spend as much time together as possible. All events were organized based on the food, not even a quick get together didn’t have a meal or dessert planned out. Her brother Kevin constantly made jokes that while eating at the current event, the meals were being discussed for the next event!

Lynda’s greatest passion was being a grandmother. Because she was retired when the grandkids started arriving, she had plenty of time to have them for sleep overs, go for her famous “double features”, and take them for special trips to James Coney Island for hot dogs. It wasn’t just her grandchildren, she also enjoyed having her nieces and nephews over for quality time. She was proud to be invited to the schools for “Grandparents Day” celebrations and especially looked forward to attending as many sporting events as possible to cheer on her grandkids, great grandkids, nephews, and nieces.

After her retirement from Prudential, she took up decorative painting with her sister-in-law, Pam. They painted small furniture, metal cans and various odds and ends. They would load up their masterpieces and head out to local craft shows to sell their goods on weekends. It was something that not just Lynda and Pam enjoyed together but shared with their respective other halves. Kevin and Norman were the laborers, did the heavy lifting, setup the booth, played a round of golf, returned to load up items not sold, then take them out for dinner at the end of their hard day’s work. Many family members still treasure some special items painted with love.

Proud of her Canadian heritage, Lynda enjoyed her visits back over the years to spend time with family. There were numerous trips to visit with grandparents, aunts, and cousins; along with traditions for these trips - no matter who you were with. Not one trip was complete if there weren’t at least 2 or 3 visits for a foot long hotdog at Easterbrook’s and a few stops at the Casino’s in Niagara Falls! Lynda commented on recent trips the joy of seeing all the pride Canadians have for their country, as there are few homes or businesses that don’t display at least one Canadian flag flying high.

Despite her love of Canada, Lynda was a proud American and truly believed in the United States. She loved going to watch 4th of July fireworks; her belief in freedom and equality; and most recently became a US Citizen so her voice could be heard, and she could vote. Even before becoming a citizen, she still never had an issue sharing her opinion!

Lynda enjoyed laying out at the neighborhood pool but rarely got in. She only learned how to swim when she was in her 60’s as she proudly exclaimed it was never too late to learn something new! She liked to take the grandkids, nieces and nephews to the pool with her – but they were warned not to get her hair wet! She loved her trips to Vegas, Niagara Falls, and Louisiana to gamble. She would spend hours at the slot machines but couldn’t justify spending money to take the Beltway to save time and gas. She loved to go out for dinner and had her favorite places to dine, but she was always quick to pick her seat first, so she wasn’t under a vent or fan. She had a love for shrimp and crab, but her ultimate favorite was Mexican food. She enjoyed entertaining at home, hosting some special lunches and dinners for her sisters and her card clubs. She looked forward to playing bridge several times a week with a couple different groups of ladies from the old and new neighborhoods. She enjoyed the cards and the companionship and was always excited to be the hostess when possible so she could make a lovely lunch and try out a new dessert recipe! True friendships and bonds were developed over the years, she enjoyed those afternoons so much and would plan out other activities or appointments around her bridge schedule. Even during COVID, the games continued as they found a way to play together online!

With age came strength and patience, she always had wisdom! She took great joy in all the little moments that most of us may have missed. Lynda was a fighter and would not give up, she never complained about any of her ailments. After her heart surgery, her recovery was slow but successful. She wanted to treat her sisters and sister-in-law to a special thank you trip on an Alaskan cruise. Many happy times and meals were shared together while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Obviously, she found the Casino on board and made her deposit at the slots!

She is survived by her eldest son Kevin Cox and his wife Cindy, of Missouri City. Her grandchildren Christina Barber and husband Jeff with children Brooke, Addyson and Landon; grandson Danny Egan; grandson Steven Cox; and granddaughter Kimberly Cox.

Her youngest son Christopher Cox and his wife Shaara of Richmond. Her grandson Devin Cox and her granddaughter Kacie Erin Cox with her children Lillie, Violet, and Elijah.

Also survived by her honorary sister, Pamela Turnbull of Austin, who was married to brother Kevin. Their daughter, Tisha St John and husband Robert, with their children Isabella and Alec.

Her brother Paul’s daughters from Arizona and their families, Callie Olla and husband Aaron, with their children Ethan, Julie and Kaiya. Niece Tricia Ingram and husband Jason, with their children Elena and Colin. Niece Julie Hinman and husband Jake, with their children Alexander, Sophia and Ella. Niece Leslie Courtney and husband Phil, with their daughter, Brea.

Her sister Dianne’s son, Robert Wilson from La Porte, and his son August.

Sister, Mary Beth Bauer of Dallas, her daughter Melissa Ann Oberlender and her children Grace and Wilhelm.

Sister, Kelli Croft and husband, Clint of Deer Park; their son Michael; and son Kyle with wife Candice.

Sister, Ellen Waneck of Pasadena; her son, Joshua and daughter, Meggan.

Sister, Sheila Garcia of Deer Park; her daughter, Lindsay and husband Joshua Powell; and son Nickolas.

Many cousins scattered across Canada and the United States will miss her dearly!

The service will be guided by Clint Croft with Rosary led by long time family friend, Linda Dibello.

Visitation will be Saturday August 26, 2023 from 1pm-2pm, followed by Rosary and Celebration of Life service from 2pm-3pm with graveside burial at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you donate in her memory to a charity of your choice or to St Angela Merici Catholic Church at 9009 Sienna Ranch Rd, Missouri City, Tx 77459. www.stamericigh.com