Bonita Jay Cox

BONITA J. BYRD COX, daughter of the late Charles G. Byrd Sr. and Jeanne A. Byrd, was born August 27, 1955, in Baltimore, Maryland. Following a lengthy and complex illness, her soul made its peaceful departure from this life on Friday, October 13, 2006.Bonita, affectionately known to family and friends as Bonnie, was reared and educated in Baltimore City. After high school, she received training as a pharmaceutical assistant and worked as a sales associate with Rite Aide Pharmacy.Bonnie's early religious experiences and training occurred at the Christ Edmondson and First United Churches. In early adulthood, she joined New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she was baptized on February 20, 1988.On April 16, 1983, Bonnie was married to Gary Cox Sr. They reared four children. Bonnie was a tremendously devoted and protective wife and mother. Each child was a jewel in her crown: they each had a special place in her heart, as manifested by her attention to the details of their growth and development. Bonnie was an efficient household manager who handled her affairs with discretion; she also served as an advocate for other family members.Bonnie prided herself on her appearance and that of her children. She loved to shop, especially for jewelry, clothes, and shoes. There was no stopping her, even on her sickbed. She knew how to let her fingers "do the walking" and was skilled at hunting for bargains. She also loved good food, like her favorite shrimp salad sandwich from Lexington Market and Mrs. Smith's apple pie.Bonnie leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Gary Cox, Sr.; her devoted children, Linda J. Byrd, Gary Cox, Jr., Garrett Cox, Sr., and Jeana Cox; two grandsons, Dwayne Holcomb, Jr. and Garrett Cox, Jr.; mother and stepfather, Jeanne and Alton Pitts; stepmother, Cladie M. Byrd; four siblings, Cheryl Byrd Henderson, Charles G. Byrd, Sr., Bradford A. Byrd, and Felton C. Byrd, all of Baltimore, Maryland; three aunts, Bernice B. Lewis, Marion Alston, and Brenda P. Haynes; a special cousin, Renee S. Brooks; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends; and the professional and nursing staffs of Genesis Randallstown Nursing Home, Randallstown, Maryland.

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Bonita Jay Cox

August 27, 1955 - October 13, 2006