SUMMIT — Mary Ellen Cox of Summit passed away June 17 at her home.  She was 79 years old.  Mrs. Cox was born Sept. 26, 1939, in Summit to the late James Claiborn and Fannie Hodges Johnson.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Clinton Johnson; her niece, Judy Dixon; and her beloved husband, William Morris Cox.

Mrs. Cox attended Southwest Community College, then moved to Washington, D.C., and began her career as a bookkeeper.

While there, she met and married the love of her life, William Morris Cox. Mrs. Cox continued to work as a bookkeeper and administrative assistant in various cities in the southeast while her husband worked for the J.C. Penney Company.  Mrs. Cox was a member of the Church of the Nazarene for most of her life where she enjoyed singing in the choir and directing the music.

The family wishes to thank her caregivers, Felicia McGaffney, Verline Nichols and Anita Hines.  The family would also like to thank the members of the FEAST women’s group at Johnston Chapel UMC for their prayers, visits and meals.  The family is also grateful for the care provided by the entire staff at Hospice Compassus.

Survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth Ballard and her son-in-law Jerry Ballard of Vicksburg; her sisters Barbara Hoffman of Dallas, Texas, and Esther Alexander (Glenn) of Bogue Chitto; her sister-in-law, Ruth Barber Gamertsfelder of Columbus, Ohio; her two grandchildren, Will and Mary-Elizabeth Ballard; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be June 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Sharkey Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be June 20th at 10 a.m. at Johnston Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gregory Smith officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Will Ballard, Daniel Moak, David Moak, Anthony Leonard, Jared Leonard, and Ben Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to Johnston Chapel United Methodist Church, 2093 Chapel Drive, Summit, MS 39666.