Ida Ruth Cox

IDA RUTH COX, daughter of the late Marion Durham and Marshall Jones, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 11, 1930. She departed from this life at 6:30 a.m. on November 17, 2012 at Sinai Hospital. At the age of seven, Ida lost her mother and was later raised by her grandparents, he late James and Louise Durham. They provided Ida with love, support and a strong Christian foundation. Myrtle Lewis, Marion’s best friend, also shared in the rearing of Ida. They maintained a special mother-daughter relationship until Myrtle’s death in 2005. Ida was a member of St. John A.M.E. Church as a child and young adult. In 1989 she joined Rising Sun First Baptist Church and was a member of the church’s Flower Circle. Ida received her education in the Baltimore City Public School system. She was an avid reader and had a passion for learning. In 1945, Ida was united in marriage to Edward Glenn Colbert. Their union was blessed with three children: Cynthia, Marian, and Michael. Years later, Ida married Samuel Edward Cox. Their union was blessed with one son Leslie Anthony. Ida was employed as a switchboard operator for Provident Hospital and General Electric Credit Corporation. She was very popular among the callers because of her exceptional communication skills. Everyone wanted o speak to “the lady with the beautiful voice” on the phone. After suffering a heart attack in the prime of her adult life, Ida could no longer work. Throughout the rest of her life, Ida suffered many setbacks due to health issues. However, she was strong-willed and refused to give in to her limitations. She loved to travel and enjoyed experiences based on a variety of her interests. Ida, affectionately known as “Mickey,” was loved by many for her kindness and compassion for others. She was a generous person who spent many years of her life helping and caring for others. Her bright smile and friendliness were contagious to everyone. Ida leaves to cherish her memory: her four children, Cynthia, Marian, Michael, and Leslie; two sons-in-law, Aranzo and Michael; five grandchildren, Brian, Desiree (deceased), Shannon, Sharita, Terry, and LeMika; four great-grandchildren, Tykiera, Tyree, Jamaal, and Ella; two great-great-grandsons, Damien and Jaden; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other relatives.

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Ida Ruth Cox

September 19, 1930 - November 17, 2012