Joyce F. Cox of Sesser, Illinois, departed this Earth on February 25, 2022, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She was born in Franklin County on November 26, 1943, to Willis and Mary Olive Rhine and they proceeded her in death. Siblings include Everett Rhine and Barbara Crain.
In 1959, she married George D. Merkel and in 1968 she married James E. Cox. Both proceeded her in death.
Her greatest legacy is her children; George Merkel (Natalie) of Portland, Tennessee, Robert Merkel (Cynthia) of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Christopher Cox (Jennifer) of Carlyle, Illinois, and Paula Merkel who proceeded her in death. Joyce was a loving and dedicated mother. She was proud to be a grandmother to eleven and great grandmother to three. She was the biggest cheerleader for all of them.
Joyce was fiercely independent and private. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and quilting. She was most comfortable at home in the kitchen cooking meals for her loved ones and spoiling her pets. She was a believer of the Baptist faith and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Eastern Star.
The family will hold a graveside service at 11:00am, Friday, March 4, 2022, at Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held at Joyce’s home.
“The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you, shall never pass away.”
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
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