Apex Funeral Home: Obituaries

Carol Ann Newell Cox was born October 15, 1941 to Clifford E. Newell and Emma Elizabeth Craig Newell in Covington, KY. She attended Seton High Catholic School from 1955 to 1959. Upon graduation, she worked at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at Taft Center in Cincinnati, OH. There she met William (Bill) Cox. Her vivacity attracted the shy statistician and they married on October 22, 1966. They welcomed their first child, daughter Amy, in December 1967. Their careers at EPA took the Coxes to Durham, NC where they added son, Drew, to the family in May 1970. The Cox family enjoyed life in NC under the care of a fiercely protective mother, intelligent and opinionated wife, and loyal neighbor. She was actively involved in her community and neighborhood – PTA and school functions, town celebrations, neighborhood events that included community gardening and organizing a cookbook to raise money for the neighborhood. This Apex neighborhood was the source of great happiness and lifelong friendships. Carol made an immediate impression on all who met her including colleagues at EPA. Her long-time boss and friend, Bern Steigerwald (deceased), wrote this poem in her honor:

Applause for a Secretary

Carol: a perfectionist. . .versatile. . .quick tempered, but mellows nicely over lunch and a glass of white wine; Bright; thoughtful; good hostess; fierce mother; . . .great secretarial skills; Generous; bakes pretty and delicious cakes; . . . laughs at herself (usually); A good manager; independent; volatile; . . . and can read our handwriting! That’s Carol Cox of OAQPS and we thank her.

No matter where she lived or how busy life got, she had at least one cat to love and spoil. A dear friend once commented “When I die, I want to be reincarnated as one of Carol’s cats.”

In 1979 Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer and the prognosis in those days was not nearly as hopeful as today’s diagnoses. But with excellent care at Durham County General and with Carol’s signature spunk and feistiness, she not only survived the disease but became a stronger woman for winning the fight. The doctors and nursing staff at the hospital were so impressed with her attitude and unique personality that they made a large sign to send home their “favorite patient.”

There are so many dear family members and close friends who influenced her life in the best of ways. It isn’t possible to express our love and gratitude to all by name. Carol is survived by her loving husband of 43 years William M. Cox (Cary), daughter and son in-law Amy Cox and Thomas S. Klopman (Belmont, CA), son Andrew M. Cox (Cary), sister and brother in-law Mary Elizabeth (Betty) and Clyde Corken (Edgewood, KY), brothers in-law, sisters in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

It was Carol’s wish that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Safe Haven for Cats, The American Cancer Society, or The Lymphoma and Leukemia Society of America.

Visitation begins at 10:00 am October 29, 2009 at Apex Funeral Home with memorial services at 11:00 am. Family and friends are welcome to continue our celebration of Carol’s life at her home immediately following services. Private inurnment at Wake Memorial Park in Cary will be held the following day for the family.