Mary Jane Cox

Dr. Mary Jane Cox, 63, of Cambridge went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 19, 2013. She was the daughter of Ret. Sgt. and Mrs. Donald H. Cox, Sr. of Oyster Shell Point.

Janie was born in Cambridge on March 10, 1950 and attended school here using an executone system. In 1968 she graduated from Cambridge High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Janie was a Girl Scout, on the Board of Directors at the Center for Independent Living and in 1979 was named Miss Wheelchair Maryland and Miss Congeniality.

Janie was the first wheelchair bound student to be accepted and attended Salisbury State College. In 1977, she earned a BS in psychology and went on to earn her masters in psychology as well. Janie was a book keeper for Chesapeake Rehab Center in Easton and became a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the Maryland Rehab Center in Baltimore.

She relocated to her hometown with her parents; she followed her passion for writing and drawing. She had several books published, many which she illustrated as well, using pens and tools held in her mouth. Janie started her own business, At Your Service, Inc., which she ran from her home.

In 2007, she was awarded a full scholarship to Northwestern Theological Seminary in Florida. In 2009, Janie earned the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies. One of Janie's proudest moments came in 2011, when she was awarded a scholarship to paint with Mouth and Foot Painters Association. This world renowned group has 800 chosen mouth or foot painters in the U.S. During this time, she was studying painting at Motlow College in Tennessee, selling her paintings and demonstrating her style of painting.

In addition to her parents, Janie is survived by her sister Donna Cox McConnell of Cambridge, her brother and sister in law Donald H. Cox, Jr. (Linda) of Church Hill, several nieces, nephews, aunts and an uncle. Since February, she had made her home with her sister, her niece Jennifer McConnell Simmons and her husband Joshua and nephews Douglas, Jeffrey and Matthew.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Antioch United Methodist Church, Town Point with Rev. Don Schell officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Churchyard.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Simmons, Donald Cox III, Christopher Cox, Billy Robinson, George Wittstadt, Kenny Johnson and Sarge Johnson.

Memorial contributions can be made to the trust fund for Douglas C., Jeffrey C. and Matthew C. Simmons, c/o Donna Cox McConnell, 5416 Cannon Road, Cambridge, MD 21613. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.