Marjorie Mae Cox

Marjorie Mae (Smith) Cox, age 86, of Maumee, Ohio, passed away March 22, 2024, in Naples, Florida with her loving husband at her side.

Marjorie was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in East St. Louis, Illinois on September 25, 1937. She is the daughter of Robert Frederick Smith and Eva Mae (Stimmel) Smith. She attended East St. Louis High School and graduated in 1955.

She attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959. She then worked as a second-grade teacher for the Maryville School in Granite City, Illinois.

She met the love of her life William Luther Cox at a beach in Miami, Florida. Their first date was watching dog races in Miami. They were married on January 23, 1965.

After marriage, Marge worked as an elementary teacher in Trotwood, Ohio until she and Bill had their first child Michael on April 10, 1966. In February of 1968, Bill and Marge moved to the Toledo area where they would spend the rest of their lives together. Soon after arriving in the Toledo area, she joined the Church of the Cross United Methodist Church where she remained an active member until her passing. She developed many deep and rewarding relationships with members and leaders of the church. She also started a bridge group that continues to this day. It was at her bridge groups that she developed some of her closest friends.

While her main passion was raising her three sons Michael, Bradley, and Stephen she also enjoyed time with her bridge group and found time to help with the family business (World Tire and Tire Man) working in the Finance department. She also found time to travel and throughout her life enjoyed trips to many parts of the world including Greece, Italy, China, Thailand, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Later in life, in 2005 Marge and Bill found a winter home in Naples, Florida at the Cedar Hammock community. They were blessed to find a wonderful group of friends and neighbors.

Marge will be taking with her a lifetime of cherished memories of raising her three sons and her eleven grandchildren. Her sons will all readily admit that they were raised by the best Mom the world has ever seen. Marge’s loving nature also allowed her to connect deeply with every one of her grandchildren. Her deep commitment to family has also been passed along and is evident not only in her grandchildren’s close relationship with her but with each other.

Preceding Marjorie in death are her parents Robert Frederick Smith and Eva Mae (Stimmel) Smith as well as her brother Robert Smith.

Surviving is her husband William Luther Cox, brother Kenneth Smith, Sons: Michael (wife Amy) Cox, Bradley (Dorianne) Cox, Stephen (Elizabeth) Cox. Grandchildren: Alexis (John) Schieman, Andrew Cox, Drew Cox, Lauren Cox, Olivia Cox, Kenneth Cox, Brett Cox, Timothy Cox, Margaret Cox, Emily Cox, and Charlie Cox. Great Grandchildren: Amelia and Jackson Schieman.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 5-8 p.m., Monday, April 1, 2024, at the Church of the Cross, 1750 Eastgate Road, Toledo, OH 43614. Funeral services will begin at 11: 00 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in the church, with additional visitation for one hour prior to the ceremony. Interment will take place at Toledo Memorial Park.

Contributions in Marjorie’s honor, in lieu of flowers, are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.