Mary Evelyn Presley Cox, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on December 15, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and a lifetime of remarkable experiences. She was born on July 28th, 1924, in Scottsboro, Alabama, to James Boyd Presley and Vivian Goolsby Presley.
Mary, preceded in death by her three brothers, James Boyd Jr., Charles David, and Hugh Sol Presley, lived a life filled with adventure, compassion, and dedication to service. She attended Shorter College from 1942 to 1944, interrupting her education briefly to contribute to the war effort at the Warner Robbins Air Force base during World War II. Returning to her studies at the University of Alabama in 1945, Mary graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in music, in June 1947 after being initiated into the Eta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority in April 1946.
In November 1946, Mary married Jasper Jean Cox and the couple embarked on a journey that took them to various corners of the world. Mary worked as a high school music teacher at Tuscaloosa High School before moving to Boston, Massachusetts, where she worked for the Mayo Clinic. She then moved to Perugia and Rome, Italy in 1951 – 1953. She created loving homes in Kiel, Braunschweig, and Mannheim before finally settling in Plankstadt, Germany, in 1963. Mary embraced diverse cultures and experiences alongside her husband.
Returning to Scottsboro in 1985, Mary continued to contribute to her community. She worked at Jim Pitt’s Gifts, was an active member of the Three Arts Club, and participated in book clubs, bridge clubs, and Jackson County Historical Association. A lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, Mary later volunteered in the nursery at Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Mary’s captivating storytelling reflected a lifetime of rich experiences. Her zest for life led her to explore the world, including visits to such wonders as the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and Machu Picchu. Mary always had well-manicured nails and never left the house without her lipstick. A close friend, Beth Westmoreland Miller, daughter of Amy and John Westmoreland, said that her great aunt Mary influenced her love for all things travel, desire to live abroad, daily wearing of an undershirt, and the need for practicality. A lover of Opera and Classical music, Mary also found joy in playing a daily round of solitaire, solving puzzles, and connecting with people from all walks of life. She did beautiful needlework most of her life and sewed many clothes for her children. She enjoyed gardening and always had plenty of basil to whip up a batch of her famous pesto to serve to her many guests.
Mary Evelyn Presley Cox is survived by her three children, Amelia Presley Cox Benn, Marsha Jean Cox, Hugh Ellis Cox and his wife, Jennifer Corbett Cox, including her three grandchildren, Dan Cox Weigl, Justin Corbett Cox, and Eleanor Victoria Cox and her nephews James “Jim” B. Presley III, Patrick Lee Presley and niece Vivian Gunter. Her memory will live on through the stories she shared, the love she gave, and the impact she made on the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
The family would like to thank Donna Rooks, Lori Fowler with Aspire, Rebekah Aplin with Amedisys, and Justine Brookins with Gentiva Hospice for the loving support and care given to Mary in her final years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Music Department at Northeast Alabama Community College. Mary wished to be cremated and her remains will be interred in the Cedar Hill Cemetery followed by a celebration of her life at a later date.
Arrangements Entrusted to Scottsboro Funeral Home
