Martha Elaine Patrick Cox, 81, of Pine Forest Community, passed away on December 17, 2023, as the result of a stroke at home.
Elaine was born on April 17, 1942, to Coy and Lucile Patrick of Garland, Texas. After graduating from Garland High School in 1960, she went on to study Elementary Education at the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, she landed her first job as a teacher for Garland ISD. She instructed students in Garland for over 20 years.
In 1961, she met Ben Cox, and they wed in 1963, going on to have 3 children, Sheri, Susan, and Patrick Cox.
Elaine was a wonderful mother and teacher. She taught second grade at Club Hill Elementary School in Garland for many years. After she retired from teaching, she and Ben moved to the Pine Forest Community and together with others founded the Pine Forest Food Pantry. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others.
Elaine was a passionate student of nature and when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found studying native birds and flowers or camping with her two Girl Scout troops. She enjoyed birding and was a member of the native plant society. We will miss her greatly.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Ben; her children, Sheri and Jerry Trongaard of New Boston, Susan Cox and Brent Barry of Saltillo, and Patrick and Amy Cox of Liberty Lake, Washington. She is survived by her grandchildren, Lisa Barnes of Mesquite, Texas; Hannah Barry of Dallas, Ian Barry of Saltillo, Colbie and Riley Cox of Liberty Lake, Washington.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to Pine Forest Food Pantry, c/o Edith Bain, 3932 FM 269, Pickton, Texas 75471. The visitation will be at the West Oaks Funeral Home located at 500 South Hillcrest Drive, Sulphur Springs, TX on Thursday, December 21 between 6 – 8 PM. There will be a funeral service at Pine Forest Community Church at 11 AM on December 22 followed by a graveside service and light lunch at the Pine Forest Community Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com
