Jessie Rae Wheeler Cox

Jessie Rae Wheeler Cox, age 96, passed away on April 2, 2024, at the Elison in Oxford, MS. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 4:00 P.M. at Oakwood Cemetery, in Tunica, MS, with Rev. Dr. Paul Husband officiating. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Cox was born in Bear Creek, MS, and grew up in Sledge. She moved to Tunica in 1946 where she met and married Gus Cox in 1950. She worked at Planters Bank/ First Security Bank from 1967 – 1992. Even after retirement she worked part-time for 14 more years. She was a valued and trusted employee who often treated her fellow workers to her homemade chocolate pies.

Mrs. Cox deeply loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and her family and friends. And babies! She adored cuddling and baby talking to the little ones. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Tunica, where her cooking was counted on at every church dinner. She enjoyed baking for others and sharing her caramel cakes, pies, and cornbread.

She is preceded in death by her husband James Augustus Cox, their two sons, James Richard (Rickey) and Philip Craig (Phil) Cox, her parents Foster Bennett and Viola Litten Wheeler, four brothers, Foster, Jack, Orbie, and James, and three sisters, Robbie Jenkins, Hazel Branch, and Maxine Tabor.

Mrs. Cox is survived by her three grandchildren Katie Moody (Marcus), Richard Cox, and Kim Ellis (Kyle); five great granddaughters, Bates, Jane and Mae Moody and Callie and Chloe Ellis; and daughters-in-law Kitty Cox and Margie Cox.

Memorial contributions can be made to Tunica Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1095, or First Baptist Church, PO Box 785, Tunica, MS 38676.