Ella Jean Cox

Ella Jean Cox was born in Grassy Creek, North Carolina, to her parents Delzada Cox and Marvin Greer, she was an only child to that union. Shortly after she was born her mother left the south and went to New York (NYC) to seek a new life in the city. After some time, Jean joined her mother in NYC, although she grew up in North Carolina for a short while, she wasn’t just a small-town girl. She had great ambitions, of becoming a model after she finished school. She attended The Ophelia DeVore School of Charm in 1948, the school offered social training for African American young women. It provided lessons in etiquette, poise and posture, ballet, speech, and self-presentation (including grooming lessons in hairstyling, applying makeup, and dressing in flattering clothes). She also attended LaGuardia community college and received an Associate degree in Science.

She met a young Soldier by the name of William E. Jones; they fell in love and from this union she birthed one son named William H. Jones. Jean was a loving mother, but she was not the typical mom, loving but stern. She and William didn't workout, one reason was she was not going to live in Montgomery, Alabama in the 1950's. She has always been a woman of her truth and lived her life that way.

Jean and her mother were very close. Her mother loved her and made sure Jean was a priority in her life. Jean would always be the talk of the town because of her career moves or the outfits she wore for the day. She was an excellent seamstress who could make an outfit in one evening and be ready to hit the town in the next evening. She always knew how to steal the scene because she always dressed to impress. Her career started in the professional business world as an IBM Key punch operator, she also worked for Warner Brothers as an IT Administrator before she left NYC. It was not uncommon for her to ride home in a limo from the city to Queens where she lived before moving to Maryland.

Her beauty was second to none and because of that she was a model in the 1960’s. Jean was always known for being the life of the party. She would enjoy having family and friends over to the house for a party. No matter the day or night, music was always playing in the house. After what would seem to be a lifetime in the spotlight, she decided to step away from it all to become a daycare provider, which she truly enjoyed. She had a tremendous impact on the children and families so much so that they would end up calling her Aunt Jean and Nana. Everyone knew that Aunt Jean loved them, and she had no problem giving you her opinion, whether you like it or not, she would tell it to you straight.

Her passion was her family, and her son was her world, and she absolutely adored him. Her love for her grandchildren Dorjan (Jessica), Naeem (Roxanne), Tashana (James) and Zacchaeus was never in question. She always enjoyed spending time with them by sharing a drink with them and talking about any and everything. She was the great-grandmother to Damien, Drake, Sylis and Sabria. Jean would brag about her grandchildren and their accomplishments. Jean poured love into her family and friends, she continued until her last days. She was never alone, and she was surrounded with love because that is what she was. In these moments you might feel sad, and that is okay, but remember who Jean was... She was strong, determined and a force of nature, so tears are welcome, but remember to smile afterwards because that’s what she would want from all of you. She’s in a better place where there is no more pain and suffering. The family would like to thank you all for the support and love.

We deeply appreciate it.