Joan Naylor Cox's Obituary
Joan Naylor Cox passed away April 16, 2023, following a long illness.
A native Memphian, Joan couldn’t wait to meet her family and so was born in an elevator at Baptist Hospital on February 10, 1944. She was the second of Walter and Elizabeth Naylor’s five children, Joan’s sisters Ann (deceased), Janet, Lisa, and brother Randy.
She was an outstanding student; she loved math and tolerated playing the piano. She graduated from Messick High School and later received both a BA and MA in mathematics from Memphis State University (Go Tigers!).
Joan married James H. Cox in 1967 and had two daughters, Carol and Christie. She had five grandchildren, Kellen (deceased), Tobin, Aidan, Mia, and Eli, all of whom affectionately called her “Joan”.
She was a dedicated educator, having taught at Manassas High School for decades. She also answered many, many math questions at the Homework Hotline and she was a coordinator for the math curriculum for the Memphis City Schools Board of Education.
Joan loved travelling, playing bridge with her friends, and shopping. She had a giving heart and was always ready to help someone in need.
She was a longtime member of the Highland Street Church of Christ.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with private graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association or The Homework Hotline.
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