Mary Nell (Neel) Cox

Mary Nell (Neel) Cox, age 90, passed away peacefully at her residence on February 10, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, February 28th at Whitney Memorial Park in Whitney, Texas, with Rev. Jay Morris officiating.

A Life of Adventure and Harmony

Born on August 30, 1935, in Burnet, Texas, Mary was a 1953 graduate of Austin High School. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Cox. Following graduation, the pair wed in a small ceremony before Bob enrolled at San Marcos State Teachers College.

In May 1954, Mary, Bob, and their infant daughter, Kathleen, moved to Andrews County to begin a lifelong journey in the West Texas oil fields. The family grew with the birth of daughter Terry the following year, and son Britt in 1960. The family settled in Odessa in 1965, where they remained until after Bob’s retirement in 1993.

The next 20 years were defined by adventure. Mary and Bob traveled across the United States in their RV, making memories, playing golf, and sharing their love of music. A talented mandolin player—a skill taught to her by her husband—Mary loved playing bluegrass with Bob and their many friends.

A Woman of Character

Mary was a woman of many passions. She was a dedicated leader in her community, serving as president of several sororities, most notably the Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter in Odessa. Beyond her social contributions, Mary was a gifted writer with a deep love for literature, short stories, and poetry. Above all, she lived for her family, providing a foundation of love and support for her children and grandchildren.

After many years in Whitney TX, Mary spent her final years in Granbury and Cleburne to be closer to her daughter, Terry.

Family

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of many years, Bob Cox; her parents; her son, Britt Ray Cox; her brothers, Curtis, Jack, and Durwood Neel; and her sister, Doris Schooley.

She is survived by her daughters, Cat Culpepper Sayer and husband Timothy Dwayne, and Terry Talley of Alvarado; her sister, JoAnn Neel of Ranger; and her cherished grandchildren, Jarrod R. Lyon and wife Hannah of Midland, and Candice L. Campbell and husband Ciaran of Burleson.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to your local Alzheimer’s and Memory Care facilities in Mary's honor.