Millard Thurston Cox

Dr. Millard Thurston Cox, Jr. was born on July 29, 1954 to Bishop Millard Cox, Sr. and the late Thelma Curtis Cox, in Baltimore, Maryland. His sister Synthia McClam preceded him in death. Thurston, as he was affectionately known, was educated in the public Schools of Baltimore. He then went on to receive his undergraduate degree in Biology (Pre-Med.) from Bowie State University in 1977. In 1981 he received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College. Thurston subsequently did his post-doctoral training in Internal Medicine at Howard University. Shortly thereafter he move to Mississippi to begin his practice. For the last few years, he has been a part of the East River Medical Group, as well as the Mallory Community Health Center.As gifted as Thurston was in the sciences, he was equally so when it came to the arts. Without any formal music lessons, he began to play the piano/organ at the age of eleven, at his fathers newly formed church-Faith Hope U.H.C. He often joked, “I started to play the piano because I had to go to church anyway; this was a way to pass the time while being there.”For the last decade he has faithfully served in the music ministry of Anderson United Methodist Church. He has had the privilege of accompanying several renowned gospel artists, including Rev. James Moore, Dorothy Norwood, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, The Jackson Southernaires, Minister Keith Pringle, Melvin Williams, Lillian Lilly, and others. According to Thurston, his most fulfilling musical accomplishment occurred when David R. Curry, Jr., invited him to become a part of the Mississippi Mass Choir ministry, where he faithfully served for thirteen years. His fingers can be unmistakably heard tickling the piano and organ keys on the choirs last five critically acclaimed recordings. His composition “The Lord Shall Reign” can be found on the choirs Grammy and Stellar nominated projects. Late Tuesday night, July 16, 2002 Thurston surrendered his all, and marched triumphantly from labor to reward. Thurston leaves to celebrate his legacy of service, love, laughter, and music, his father, Bishop Millard Cox, Sr.; four children, Aaron Sr., Joseph (JT), Millard III (Trey), and Jocelin; one grandson, Aaron Jr.; two sisters, Muriel (Robert), and Carolyn; two brothers, Tony, and Eric (Sophia); four Nieces, Vanessa (Grant), Jillian, Jenell and Caila; four nephews, Jason, Marcus, William Jr., and Caleb; a devoted friend, Sonja Delaware; and a host of special friends and co-workers.As the Apostle Paul stated in II Timothy 4:7-8, “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”

Tributes

Millard Thurston Cox

July 29, 1954 - July 16, 2002