1926
2016
Jean Franke Cox died peacefully in her sleep on November 25, 2016 after a hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer. Jean was born on September 23, 1926 in Mt. Brook, Alabama. Her ancestors were some of the earliest settlers in Jefferson and Shelby County. Her father, Will F. Franke, was one of the original partners in the incorporation of Mt. Brook Estates in 1926. She graduated from Mt. Brook Elementary School, Shades Cahaba High School and Birmingham Southern College. At Southern she was an honors student, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha social sorority and a campus beauty. In 1946 she married Blair Cox. After living in Sylacauga, Alabama and Chicago, Illinois, they settled in Birmingham to raise their family. Jean was a devoted mother and dedicated civic volunteer until her husband's untimely death in 1965. From 1965 until her retirement over 30 years later, she helped manage Birmingham Mop Manufacturing Company, of which she was a minority owner, while continuing to perform her motherly duties at a high level of devotion.
Jean was predeceased by her husband, Blair Cox, her parents, Will F. and Velma Wilson Franke, her grandson, Edward Cox, and her siblings, Mary Hughes Williams, Francis Nelson and Bill Franke. She is survived by her children, Blair Cox Jr. (Bimi), Carolyn Jeff (Doug), David Cox (Laura) and Margaret Manuel (Don). She is also survived by her grandchildren James Gunter, Allan Gunter, Tommy Cox (Virginia), John Jeff, Ellen Cox, David Cox Jr., Carter Manuel (Margaret), Wilson Manuel (Polly) and Caroline DeBardeleben (Prince) and by her great grandchildren Libba Manuel, Louisa DeBardeleben and Emmaline Manuel.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road, Mt. Brook, Alabama, 35213. Visitation will follow the service in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 9, 2017
Jean, I wish I would have known you. It is clear that you were a strong woman, and I relish in your successes. My thoughts extend to all your family. May they find peace.
Your second cousin,
Dr. Jack Emil Franke
December 12, 2016
Rebecca Pool Gilbert
We are very sorry to hear of Jean's passing. My father, Dr John Pool (Clara's son), was first cousin to Jean, and always spoke highly of her. We are proud of our Franke heritage. Her smile reminds me of our "G'ma"/her Aunt Clara's. We offer our heartfelt condolences in this difficult time of loss. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." ~Becky, George, and Margaret~ (Pool).
December 12, 2016
Rebecca Pool Gilbert
We are very sorry to hear of Jean's passing. My father, Dr John Pool (Clara's son), was first cousin to Jean, and always spoke highly of her. We are proud of our Franke heritage. Her smile reminds me of her Aunt Clara's, our G'ma. We offer our heartfelt condolences in this difficult time. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." ~Becky, George, and Margaret (Pool).
November 30, 2016
Philip Reed
As has been expressed, for now she is resting. My genuine thoughts go out to the family
November 30, 2016
Thinking of all Jean's wonderful family. What a fine lady she was! We feel privileged to have known her.
Kelly and Mary Martha Allen
November 29, 2016
My wife and I send our condolences. Please remember to throw your anxiety on God because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7
November 29, 2016
John & Lesa Walker
We light a candle in honor and memory of Jean Franke Cox.
November 29, 2016
John & Lesa Walker
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 29, 2016
My sincere condolences to Jean's family. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Ps.147:3.
November 29, 2016
To the Cook Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
November 29, 2016
I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to your family. As Psalms 90:10 says, she was truly blessed with strength to have lived such a long life. In your time of sorrow, may God comfort your hearts. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
November 28, 2016
W Travis Canup
Sorry to hear the passing of Ms Cox ,Prayers for the family .
November 28, 2016
Tammy Gerges
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this difficult time. Please find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and that he cares. 1 Peter 5:6&7 assures us "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."
November 28, 2016
Pat
My condolences to the Cox family and friends.
November 28, 2016
John McCary
I felt like Jean was my second mom. Thank you Jean for putting up with us. I will miss her.
November 28, 2016
So sorry for the family's loss. In the days ahead, may you find comfort in the God of loyal love and in the promise found at John 6:40.
November 28, 2016
Sally Speaker
Carolyn, Doug and Jeff - We are sorry to learn of the death of your mother/grandmother. Please know we are thinking of you and have good memories of our times at the baseball field "back in the day" with you.
Cary, Sally and Edward Speaker
November 27, 2016
I am very sorry for your loss. Losing loved ones to death is difficult, but know that God does promise comfort to us during these trying times. Matthew 5:4
November 27, 2016
Clay Bargeron
Thoughts and prayers to Blair, Carolyn, David and Margaret. Your mom was the original superwoman. So many great memories of her, her strength, dedication and laughter through it all.
November 27, 2016
Judy Martin Corvin
So sorry for your loss. your mother was a wonderful person and I will always cherish my memories of her.
November 27, 2016
A.K
Our prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
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