Joanie Jean Cox

A celebration of life for Joanie Jean Cox, 68, will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Benton,201 Bellevue St., Benton, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Pastor Mike Schultz.

Joanie was born on December 5, 1957, to Richard M. and Myrtice L. Cox in Shreveport, Louisiana, and passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Joanie graduated from Plain Dealing Academy in 1975 and carried the spirit of that small‑town upbringing with her throughout her life. She was known for her kindness, humor, strength, and generosity; qualities that shaped every relationship she touched. Her legacy is one of love, wisdom, and resilience, reflected most deeply in the bond she shared with her son, whom she loved dearly.

After graduating from high school, she went straight to work instead of opting for a college education. She built a meaningful career beginning with South Central Bell (AT&T), where she worked as an operator. She also worked for Ben E. Keith, Gym Dandy, and the FDIC. She even moonlighted as a librarian at the Bossier Central Library under the Bossier Parish Police Jury. The pinnacle of her career came with the Bossier Parish School Board, where she served as Sr. Accounts Payable Specialist, from which she retired. Joanie rose through the ranks based solely on the quality of her work, her people skills, and her meticulous attention to detail. No matter the role, Joanie brought dedication, warmth, and genuine care and compassion for the people around her.

Outside of work, she found joy in the simple things that made life feel full: crafting, watching her British crime dramas and Turkish love stories on TV, listening to music, and traveling whenever she could. These small pleasures, paired with her generous heart, made her someone people naturally gravitated toward.

Joanie’s presence was a gift: steady, loving, and full of quiet strength. Her laughter was infectious. Her memory will continue to live on in the lives she touched and in the love she poured into her family and friends.

Joanie was preceded in death by her parents, Richard M. and Myrtice H. Cox; sister, Linda S. Bell, and brothers, Kenny R. Cox and Kevin L. Cox. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Joshua C. Cox; and grandson, Richard Rhys Cox; Alvin W. Cox and wife, Donna; James E. Cox; Darla J. Mikle and husband, Wayne; Doug C. Cox and wife, Stacy; and Steve L. Cox and wife, Martha.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Kyle Cox, Keith Cox, Justin Cox, and Jonathan Cox.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to all the ladies of First Baptist Church of Benton for making this celebration possible.