Bobbie Rhea Cox's Obituary
Bobbie Rhea Roberts was born on March 30, 1936, to Matt and Eva Roberts. She loved to tell the story of how she got her name. Her parents had suffered greatly when their first child was stillborn. Their church family of First Baptist Church Galena Park prayed fervently for the next child to be healthy. When this prayer was answered, the pastor and chairman of the deacon body made a visit to the hospital to celebrate. They told Matt and Eva since they had prayed so faithfully, this child, if a boy, should be named after them. Perhaps it was said in jest, but indeed, the baby, though a girl, was named after Bob Massey (deacon body chair) and Ray V. Mayfield, Sr. (pastor), resulting in the name Bobbie Rhea. It is hard for us to envision our dainty, perfectly coiffed and dressed Bobbie as a tomboy, but witnesses attest to the fact that in her elementary and early junior high school years, she was captain and ringleader of all neighborhood sports competitions. However, if you had a recent chance to experience her grip or observe her strength, it becomes entirely believable. There is a hospital nurse out there somewhere who will tell you what you could expect if you stuck her one too many times trying to get an IV in place. Certain family members once saw her execute a “perfect 10” back flip after sitting cross-legged too quickly in a swivel rocker that overturned with her. In high school, Bobbie became highly interested in LaDon Cox, already a college athlete at Rice Institute. In addition to attending the same church, they worked together at Jack’s Supermarket, Bobbie at the cash register and LaDon in the produce department. When her mother learned of this, she spoke the phrase often quoted in our family to this day: “Bobbie, I think you might have set your cap too high this time.” That just stoked the fire, and with the help of two other Jack’s supermarket employees, Ethyl Cruickshank and Cecil Holder, a date was set up for Bobbie and LaDon. Their first date was to a JV football game in which their younger brothers, Wayne Roberts and Billy Cox were playing. Bobbie knew that LaDon was very shy, so she prepared a list of things they could talk about if needed. She says that she almost didn’t get a word in! No list necessary! Truly made for each other, their love story was legendary. They were married 67 years before LaDon’s passing in 2023. Bobbie’s father had been insistent that she go to college after high school, but when approached with the wedding plans instead, because he had great fondness and respect for the Cox family, he gave his blessing to the marriage, with the request of a promise that Bobbie would one day get her college degree. She kept that promise, and when her two children were in 5th and 6th grade, she graduated from University of Houston with her BA in Education. Bobbie spent many years as a 5th grade reading and language arts teacher at Northshore Elementary School in the Galena Park ISD, and after obtaining her Master’s in Counseling, an additional many years as middle school counselor at Northshore Middle School and Galena Park Middle School. Bobbie served with her husband in family, church, and community leadership roles. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Galena Park until moving to Pearland, where she became a faithful member of Sagemont Church. In later years, when living with her daughter and son in law, she returned to First Baptist Galena Park and was faithful there as long as she was able. A true Proverbs 31 woman, she was amazing in all her roles: wife to LaDon; mother to daughter Donna and son Ray; sister to brother Wayne and sister Sandra; mother in law to Barbara and Rick; sister in law to Tommy, and to Beth, to Dean and Ione, Polly and Gene, John and Meryl, Von and Nancy, Billy and Brenda; Aunt Bobbie to 22 nieces and nephews; Grandmother to Chris, Jesse, Holly, Colton, and Tyler; (great) Grandmother to Ruth, Bryden, Jesse Jr., Nolan, and Davis; teacher and counselor to countless students; and dear friend to her loyal private caregiver Janae. Bobbie and LaDon enjoyed many special times and trips with their grandchildren, providing treasured memories for each of them. Just ask any one of them for some stories. They have them by the score. Just over one month ago, Bobbie was able to celebrate her 90th birthday with a family party. What a great celebration it was, and how thankful Bobbie’s family is that we had that happy day with her so recently and so timely. Bobbie is now absent from the body, so she is indeed present with the Lord. She joins many loved ones, most significantly her beloved husband LaDon and beloved son Ray
What’s your fondest memory of Bobbie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bobbie?
Share a story where Bobbie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bobbie you’ll never forget.
How did Bobbie make you smile?
