Monday, October 21, 2013

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Write Words, Inc. Author 
Mary Jane Cox



Mary Jane "Pixie" Cox was a friend 
as well as a Write Words Author. 

Here follows her "Writer's Obit"

Mary Jane cox was a Christian Author and artist, who concentrated  on writing Inspirational stories and Christian Devotionals, moving occasionally into fiction. She authored a wealth of Poetry, designed and published inspirational Greeting Cards featuring her original Artwork and Poetry. She was born with a physical limitation that left her a quadriplegic. Mary was a mouth-artist and typed her books by using a stick in her mouth. At one time, she was a regular columnist for THE DAILY BANNER, newspaper. Mary faced her many physical challenges bravely and kept her focus on being positive, living independently, and she was devoted to her faith, and her many interests.

In the time she was associated with Write Words Inc.,she wrote and published 5 books, including her best-selling CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY, a collection of Christmas tales which she both edited and illustrated. Mary worked on two novels, and had begun work on her memoirs and was currently at work on a collection of essays about her faith. With other groups, she had produced hundreds of greeting cards of her Award-Winning artwork and once released a CD recording of her poetry.



Mary taught online writing workshops in how to write Memoirs and biographies, led Bible Study groups on the Internet, and was beloved for her "in person" teaching as a workshop leader for the International Women's Writing Guild's Summer Conferences, and for the Dorchester Arts Center, and for other continuing educational programs in the Delmarva area.

As a writer, Mary was not only a teacher, but an eager student of life, and a devoted follower of her faith.



Here follows her Official Obit

Dr. Mary Jane Cox, 63, of Cambridge, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 19, 2013. She was the daughter of Ret. Sgt. and Mrs. Donald H. Cox, Sr. of Oyster Shell Point.
Janie was born in Cambridge on March 10, 1950 and attended school here using an executone system. In 1968 she graduated from Cambridge High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Janie was a Girl Scout, on the Board of Directors at the Center for Independent Living and in 1979 was named Miss Wheelchair Maryland and Miss Congeniality.

Janie was the first wheelchair bound student to be accepted and attended Salisbury State College. In 1977, she earned a BS in psychology and went on to earn her masters in psychology as well. Janie was a book keeper for Chesapeake Rehab Center in Easton and became a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the Maryland Rehab Center in Baltimore.

She relocated to her hometown with her parents; she followed her passion for writing and drawing. She had several books published, many which she illustrated as well, using pens and tools held in her mouth. Janie started her own business, At Your Service, Inc., which she ran from her home.
In 2007, she was awarded a full scholarship to Northwestern Theological Seminary in Florida. In 2009, Janie earned the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies. One of Janie’s proudest moments came in 2011, when she was awarded a scholarship to paint with Mouth and Foot Painters Association. This world renowned group has 800 chosen mouth or foot painters in the U.S. During this time, she was studying painting at Motlow College in Tennessee, selling her paintings and demonstrating her style of painting.

In addition to her parents, Janie is survived by her sister Donna Cox McConnell of Cambridge, her brother and sister in law Donald H. Cox, Jr. (Linda) of Church Hill, several nieces, nephews, aunts and an uncle. Since February, she had made her home with her sister, her niece Jennifer McConnell Simmons and her husband Joshua and nephews Douglas, Jeffrey and Matthew.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Antioch United Methodist Church, Town Point with Rev. Don Schell officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Churchyard.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Simmons, Donald Cox III, Christopher Cox, Billy Robinson, George Wittstadt, Kenny Johnson and Sarge Johnson.

Memorial contributions can be made to the trust fund for Douglas C., Jeffrey C. and Matthew C. Simmons, c/o Donna Cox McConnell, 5416 Cannon Road, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.

(10/19/13)

6 comments:

  1. Great summary and very inspiring woman - thank you for sharing :)

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  2. Boy she never acknowledged any handicaps. What a life!

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  3. She was the Joy for so many.Sun Shine filling up a room. Thank you so much for writing about her. When she came to Pleasant Day or the Bradford House to teach a room full of folks with various disabilities... She was the only one without a disability. What a blessings. Everyone loved her.

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