Surrounded by her family, the soul of Barbara J. Cox left this earth on August 5, 2025, after a courageous 12-year fight with Pulmonary Fibrosis and metastatic lung cancer. Originally given 30 days to live in 2013, Barbara proved her doctors wrong, gifting her loved ones with 12 more years of kindness, laughter, and love. Because she was such a fighter, her sudden passing came as both a shock and a deep wound to her family, friends, and countless others whose lives she touched during her 89 remarkable years.
Barbara was born in Urbana, Illinois, in 1936, the eldest of five children. When she was a teenager, her family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where her parents owned and operated the Seahorse Restaurant. With her parents working long hours, Barbara naturally “mothered” her younger siblings, including newborn twins who arrived while she was a senior at St. Petersburg High School. Around that time, she began dating the boy next door, Johnny Cox, who would later become her husband of 55 years. Their dates often included babysitting her little brother and sister—early proof of Barbara’s lifelong devotion to family.
Barbara’s career reflected her caring and capable nature. She worked for more than 20 years at Clermont High School, where she served as the administrative secretary to the late Principal David Lofgren. She became a cornerstone of the “Highlander” family, remembered for her southern hospitality, gentle humor, and ever-present smile. Each day, she cheerfully began with morning announcements, kept attendance and sports eligibility records, and helped wherever she was needed—whether in the office or as a watchful lunch monitor. Students knew they could count on her for guidance, encouragement, or simply a listening ear. Many alumni fondly recall the life lessons she passed along to student aides working in the office.
The 1980 CHS Yearbook captured her impact perfectly: “Mrs. Cox cheerfully started everyone’s day with the morning announcements. A veritable ‘wonder woman,’ she also kept attendance, sports eligibility records, and was helpful to anyone who needed it. Caring for and coping with the needs of 578 students and 28 teachers was no small feat, but the CHS administration managed to do it with style—making the school year a successful one.”
After retiring from CHS in 1981, Barbara embarked on a second 20-year career with Walt Disney World Co. Retirement never slowed her down. She volunteered tirelessly, giving 40 to 60 hours a week for 15 years to Narcoossee Community Schools, Vote Osceola Election Workers, and the Narcoossee/Osceola County Historical Society. Her dedication earned her multiple nominations as Osceola County School District’s “Senior Volunteer of the Year.” Even into her 80s, Barbara brought the same energy and generosity to volunteering that she had shown throughout her life. Sadly, her volunteer work ended in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, but her legacy of service endures.
Barbara also treasured community connections, rarely missing the annual “All Class Reunion” for CHS, where she welcomed former students, faculty, and friends with hugs, laughter, and her trademark smile.
She was preceded in death by her husband Johnny, but leaves behind a loving family who adored her: children Jeff (Marcia) Cox, Mike Cox, and Pamela (Mark) Holasek; siblings Charlene Harris, Dean Burnett, Phil (Allyson) Burnett, and Charles “Bud” Burnett; niece Michele (Ray) McGowan; grandchildren Emily (Ryan) Phillips, Cameron Cox, and Peyton Reese (Will Santiago); great-grandchildren Maddux and Harper Phillips; and her beloved step-families. Her family fondly remembers her famous fried chicken, meat loaf, goulash, chili, banana pudding, and even her playful grilled Hershey’s chocolate sandwiches. They will miss her child-like joy on trips to Walt Disney World, holiday decorating, family sing-alongs in the car, and her thoughtful “just because” cards.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11 am at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819. In keeping with Barbara’s vibrant spirit, her family asks that attendees wear bright celebratory colors rather than mourning black.
In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to honor Barbara by carrying forward her spirit of giving. Some of her favorite ways include:
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Donating books or school supplies to a classroom.
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Volunteering in your community—whether for a day, a week, or a lifetime.
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Sending handwritten notes or cards to let someone know they are cared for.
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Supporting a local domestic abuse shelter.
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Donating to the Lighthouse of Pinellas (lhpfl.org/support) in honor of her mother, Helen Burnett, who lived courageously with blindness for more than 35 years.
Barbara Cox lived her life with kindness, generosity, and joy. Though she is gone, her legacy will continue in the countless lives she touched. Her loved ones take comfort in knowing that she is now free of pain, smiling down from heaven, perhaps riding her bike along celestial back roads while cheering, “Go Gators!”
