Melba Cox

Melba Irene Barker Cox was born in Arcadia, Florida on August 3rd of 1926. She was the first born of Inez Georgia Brown and Earl Barker. They soon moved to Crystal Springs near the extended Brown family who were sharecropping strawberries and following the Seventh Day Adventist Faith. Melba attended Plant City schools but actually graduated from Charleston High School as her parents were working in the Naval Ship Yard as part of the war effort. Melba’s first job was at the Woolworths in downtown Plant City. She married Jack Cox and later began a career with GTE in Plant City and Lakeland that lasted 40 plus years. In retirement, she was the owner B & S Florist in downtown Plant City. She was a long standing member of Eastside Baptist Church and is survived by two daughters Cheryl Ann Tibbits and Patti Susanne Sunday. She is preceded in death by her parents, two younger sisters Jewel Fudge and Earlene Dapolito, and her husband Jackie Doyce Cox. She is survived by one sister, Betty Gene Beck. Melba was incredibly active and vibrant into her 90’s. She was a profound inspiration and cherished role model to her 6 grandchildren: Amber Henderson, Ashley Tibbits, LT Otto Sunday, Etienne Sunday, Armis Sunday and Zia Sunday. She also has left 4 and 3/4 great grandchildren; a son-in-law and grandson-in-law; along with devoted nieces and nephews cloaked in her love. The family is in praise for her life and goodness while on earth. She went to our Lord Jesus on October 23rd, 2020-the wedding anniversary of her beloved parents.

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