Juanita Cox

Juanita Mixson Cox, 86, died Sunday, April 23, 2023 at home in Valdosta, in the presence of loved ones. Born April 9, 1937 in Valdosta, she was the daughter of Dr Harry and Katherine Mixson. She was gentle and kind and loved gardening, playing bridge, spending time with family and her dogs. She was an accomplished equestrian, violinist and pianist.

Juanita graduated from Sweet Briar College in 1959 with a degree in Music and English. She then received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Goucher College in 1960, and in 1970 she completed her PhD at Florida State University. She later taught Teacher Education at University of Louisiana. During the course of her career, she received numerous honors and awards including: the Distinguished Professor Award, the Ford Foundation Fellowship, and the Danforth Foundation Associate, and was widely published in her field. She inspired many young teachers and made a profound impact on the education system and her community.

In addition to her professional activities, Juanita did a great deal of volunteer work in the areas of adult literacy and reading disabilities in children. She also loved playing the violin and was a member of the Florida State University Symphony, the Lafayette Louisiana Symphony and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

Juanita is survived by her children, Katherine Pyle and Alice Bergeson (Valdosta), James S. Cox, III (Austin, Texas), her grandchildren, Hyatt Pyle and Dr Chelsea Pyle (Portland, Oregon), McKenna Crick (Atlanta), John Yearsley (Seattle, Washington), Victoria Bergeson (Bellingham, Washington), Cameron Cox (New York), Andrew Cox (Austin), and her great grandchildren, George and Teddy Cox.

The Reverend Stan Christian will conduct a memorial service at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 24th in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart of Hospice Valdosta, 515 St. Augustine Rd., Suite D, Valdosta, GA 31601.