Mary Ellen Cox, 87. of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024. Born on June 10, 1937, in Cardwell, Missouri, Mary lived a full life of love, faith and service.
A devoted fan of wildlife, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and game shows-especially Jeopardy!-Mary had an infectious enthusiasm for life’s simple joys, including playing the lotto and betting on horse races. Her quick wit and passion for learning were a perfect match for her favorite trivia show.
Mary built a successful career at McGrath and Associates, where she worked for many years before deciding to retire. However, her energetic spirit soon led her to a new chapter in her life. At the age of 70, in 2007, Mary began working part-time as a court clerk for the city of Arnold. In 2009, she became the administrative assistant to the mayor and city administrator, a roll she excelled in until her retirement on October 1, 2021.
Shortly after her retirement, Mary was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. With the same strength and determination that defined her life, she fought bravely for over three years.
Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A deeply religious person, she found comfort and guidance in her beliefs, which sustained her through life’s challenges and joys.
Mary is survived by children Steve Davis and Jerri Leigh Calderone; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a special, close friend, Chuck Smith. She is also survived by siblings Helen Morgan, Randal Harris, Venus Allen, and Ben Johnson. She was preceded in death by her daughter Deborah Ivy and siblings Dan Johnson and Jim Johnson.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. (63129) on Saturday December 21 at 5:00 pm, with memorial visitation to continue until 8:00 pm. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in Mary’s memory.
Mary Ellen Cox will be lovingly remembered for her sharp wit, boundless kindness, and the joy she brought to everyone around her. Her warmth and wisdom will continue to shine through the lives of her family and friends, who will forever hold her close in their hearts.
Some of my favorite memories include my Aunt Mary. As a child, it seemed to me that she carried a swinging basket of joy on her wrist all the time, tossing it out here and there as she went about her life. She called each of us, “Hon”, whether we were behaving or not, for her love for us was spoken and demonstrated unconditionally on a regular basis. I always dreamed of developing her mischievous and contagious giggle because I longed for the power she held to bring happiness to others. As an adult, we were friends, and she was a woman that I continue to try to emulate. Her calm demeanor in challenging times, her strength and positive attitude, and her unwavering love will continue to fortify the many lives that she so graciously touch. My prayers of peace, comfort, and love to all who will speak her name in their prayers. I love you, Aunt Mary. And…thanks for always letting me have as much ketchup as I wanted. 😘❤️
Mary is my sister. We grew up together in the home of beloved fraternal grandparents. It was a loving and kind home without harshness and silly rules, but by example of love, guidance and plenty of love. Two things come to mind. My favorite song that went “I looked over yonder and what did I see a band of angles coming after me”. When I was 17 our dear Grandad was overheard to tell a visiting neighbor, “I’m going to a beautiful place. The streets are lined w/gold and there’s beautiful flowers everywhere”. Mary saw those angles coming to take her Home and she has a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She spreads her angel wings to shower angel dust of love and kindness on us.
Things I remember about Mary…Back in the day, when I was part of the family, she absolutely loved to cook. For just a couple of invited guests, she would have a complete smorgasbord, set up of tons of different meats, vegetables and desserts! She loved cleaning her home, getting her hair done and polishing her nails! I also remember she and Bill loved the Statler Brothers, and to this day, every time I hear one of their songs, I’m taken back to sitting in the backseat of their car, on our way to Mary’s Diner in St. Louis! A restaurant they wanted to take us to because they knew I liked home style cooking. Mary insisted I order the red cabbage, thinking I would love it! As soon as it touched my tongue, it took my breath and made me heave! Lol! I couldn’t even be gracious about not liking it! I have never tried red cabbage, since! Lol Bless her heart! She always liked to please everyone and that’s how I have always remembered her! Rest in peace, Mary! Give our Easton a big hug from us! Prayers for all her family and friends. Glory be to God!
We are blessed to know & love Mary Ellen and call her our friend. Her light will be missed. Our heartfelt condolences to her family.
Mary Ellen is my sister. She’s ten years older than me, we had the same father. My joy when I was a child was to go to see Granny because that’s where Mary lived. Mary would always give me something pretty , a pretty blue jar, a pretty card or even a rock. When I was a little older , we slept in the same bed i I would beg her for her warm spot in the bed. I would get cold again of course I would beg again. Well she would give her warm spot but not any more, she said. She didn’t know when she went to sleep I snuggled up to her. Mary was a good and sweet sister. Love you Mary.
What a sweet lady she was, I had the privilege of working with her for many years at McGrath. The world is at a true loss without her.
Rest In Peace MaryEllen.