Melva Cartwright Cox's Obituary
Melva Cartwright Cox, a native of Amite, LA and a longtime resident of Covington, died peacefully at her home on January 9, 2010 at the age of 87.
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praised her”
Melva graduated from Amite High School in 1938 as valedictorian. She attended University of Mississippi in Oxford where she earned an undergraduate degree in business in 1942. While at Ole Miss she met Bob Cox of Greenville, Mississippi. Soon after December 7, 1941, with The War on their minds, and his enlistment calling, they eloped. Their best man was his best friend and an Ole Miss colleague, Adolph Wettlin Treppendahl from Woodville, MS.
Melva was a gracious lady, a devoted mother, a loyal, spirited and forgiving wife; and in her later years, having earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from LSU in 1979, developed into a compassionate counselor. Her stories of ‘the days of the dog kennel’, teaching at Fifth Ward and the escapades at the Riverboat Tchefuncte could entertain one for hours. An avid gardener, she was also a co-founder of Covington’s Town and Country Garden Club.
Melva will be remembered for her easy laughter, sympathetic ears, selfless generosity, the love and devotion she had for her children and grandchildren and the surprising yet fearless independence which guided her through life.
Melva was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Elmore Cox; one son, Sidney Cartwright Cox and her granddaughter, Laura McCulloch Treppendahl.
She is survived by one son, Robert E. Cox of Covington; her daughter and son-in-law, Coco and David Treppendahl of St. Francisville; and their children: Katherine, Rob and Sophie Treppendahl.
The family would like to offer a special and heartfelt thanks to her loving caregiver, Maria McMullen.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend memorial services at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 in the Chapel at Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington, LA 70433.
Visiting hours in the chapel will begin at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church.
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