Katherine Mcgee Cox

Katherine McGee Cox of Monroe, NC, passed away peacefully at age 91, surrounded by family on June 4, 2024. Born on November 25, 1932, to the late Henry Samuel McGee and Bonnie Carriker McGee, she grew up in the Unionville community and graduated from Unionville High School. A lifetime learner, throughout her career she took classes at Central Piedmont Community College and Wingate University.

Katherine married Donald Griggs Cox (deceased) on June 2, 1951, and the couple farmed land southeast of Monroe. They raised six children all born within 7 years, including Ron Cox (Martha Harbison) of Charlotte, Susan Helms (Michael Ball) of New Salem, Rebecca Perry (Charles Perry) of Monroe, Luan Ingram (Jim Ingram, deceased) of Monroe, Greg Cox (Dennise Cox) of Sapphire, and Tamara Baker (Todd Baker) of Chapel Hill. Katherine’s siblings include Jim McGee (deceased), Sarah Morgan, Bonnie Huntley, Charles Henry McGee (deceased), Richard McGee, and Steve McGee (deceased). Katherine has 16 grandchildren including Katie Alice Walker (Drew), Susannah Maddux (Tripp), Matt Helms (Lorie), Sharla Polling, Amanda Huneycutt (Jason), Lucas Helms (Victoria), Tyler Mills (Emily), Tate Mills, Tripp Ingram (Audra), Hunter Ingram, Cameron Cox (Sarah Beth), Reece Cox, Ashlyn Cox, Caleb Baker (deceased), Caroline Baker, and John Baker. She is blessed with 20 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Monroe, 109 Morrow Ave, Monroe, NC 28112. The family will receive friends following the service from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be held privately at Lakeland Memorial Park.

A strong public education advocate, Katherine had a 33-year career with Union County Public Schools. She began working in 1963 as the bookkeeper for Altan and Prospect Schools, where her six children attended. She was asked to move to the Central Office as an accounts manager of a federal program for a summer position that evolved into a full-time job with the school system finance department. After Superintendent Dan Davis recognized her talents in finance, she was named head of the Finance Department where she remained until 1993 when the city and county school systems merged. She then became the Chief Finance Officer until she retired in 1996. Katherine also used her masterful financial skills managing the family farm.

Katherine loved her church. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Monroe for 32 years and before that, a member of Pageland First Baptist for 20 years. She was very active as a deacon for multiple terms and served as trustee and on multiple leadership committees. One of her favorite memories was teaching the young couples New Beginnings Sunday School class and engaging in their lives. Until weeks before her death, she faithfully attended her Metamorphosis Sunday School Class.

A person of vitality and relentless positivity, always “Mama Cox” to so many people, Katherine loved connecting with others and hearing their stories. Family and Christian life were her foundation.

She requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to her beloved First Baptist Church of Monroe , 109 Morrow Ave, Monroe, NC 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is honored to be entrusted to care for the Cox Family.