Mary Barlow Cox

Mary Barlow Cox, 86, of Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mary was born September 8, 1939, in Petal, Mississippi, and later made her home in Channelview, Texas, where she and her husband raised their family and built a life filled with love, hard work and community.

She was the beloved wife of Elton Thomas Charles Cox, with whom she shared an extraordinary marriage of 64 years, 10 months, and 25 days - a lifetime of devotion, partnership and love.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Elton Cox; her brother, Rex and Brenda Barlow; and her children: LoRay and Rhonda Cox of Elgin, Texas; Glenn and Ruth Cox of Leakey, Texas; and Annette and Donny Hearn of Crosby, Texas.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Christian LoRay Cox, Cassi Danielle Rogers, Cory Glenn Cox, Casey Ryan Cox, Bradley Allen Hearn and Alyssa, Austin Thomas Hearn and Caroline, Stetson Horne and Shylo, and Tara and Donald Brooks, along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Dorsey George Sr and Elouise Lee Barlow, and her siblings, Kenneth Barlow and Frances; Dorsey George Barlow Jr. and Patsy; and Dorothy and Bill Hatten.

Mary dedicated over 40 years of service to St. Clair Services, where she was truly the heart and backbone of the office. Long before computers, she managed it all - accounts payable, billing, payroll, taxes, financials, project proposals and so much more - earning a reputation as a “one-woman office” and an original Wonder Woman. Her skill, work ethic and dedication were unmatched.

A familiar and beloved presence in Channelview, Mary’s warm smile could light up any room. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed and valued and she was known and loved by all who had the privilege of crossing her path.

Mary instilled in all her children a deep appreciation for family, along with the joy of laughter and love. She had a radiant smile and a contagious laugh and she never missed a chance to brighten someone’s day. Whether sharing a joke or being the punchline herself, she embraced humor with grace, giving as good as she got and loving every moment of it.

Above all, Mary was a woman devoted to her family. She was a loving and faithful wife, a dedicated mother, a proud grandmother, and a caring sister, aunt and friend. She balanced her many responsibilities with grace and strength, always putting others first. If you knew Mary, you knew she loved deeply and fiercely. She was present for every important moment for her family - school events, family gatherings and life’s milestones - always showing up with unwavering support and love.

Mary also found great joy in attending gospel concerts, often alongside her husband and brother Rex, creating memories filled with music, faith and fellowship.

Mary lived a full and meaningful life. While her family mourns her loss deeply, they find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with those who went before her, surely welcomed with open arms, hugs and kisses at Heaven’s door.

She will be missed every single day and forever held in the hearts of those who love her.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a service honoring Mary at 2:00 p.m. at Groesbeck Funeral Home, 1215 Yeagua Street, Groesbeck, Texas 76642.