Barbara Ann Cox

Barbara Ann Cox, 86, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on September 16, 2026 previously of 7415 Highland Avenue KCMO 64131. 

Barbara was born January 5, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Mr. Willie Marshall and Mrs. Minnie Elizabeth Johnson both coming from Rayle, GA. She was raised in Atlanta where she was baptized at Mt. Zion Second Baptist Church (the second oldest black church in Atlanta, GA under Reverend Emory R. Searcy Sr.) and attended and graduated from David T. Howard High School in 1958. After working different jobs from waitressing, to nurses' aide at Grady and later working retail until she got on with the federal government.working for the Marines and worked as a federal agent for the IRS. She later attended some college classes at Georgia State University in the evening falling short of getting a degree. She was surrounded by a close network of family and friends and enjoyed her social life. She had 2 daughters that was an additional joy to her parents and herself and she made sure that they attended public schools from kindergarten to 12th that provided more rounded opportunities in education and the arts. She finally set her sights on moving west to Denver, Colorado in the late 70s and worked for private company Conoco oil, while still maintaining a lifelong connection to Atlanta, her family, and the friends she made there. She fell in love hard for fishing in Colorado lakes and rivers and.after the move to Houston near the mid-early 80s (where she eventually had her 3rd daughter) she loved fishing Texas' lakes and coastal jetties and went back to working as a federal employee this time for the Marine Corp Officer Selection Officer (OSO) office before returning to live back home to Atlanta in 1986 where she continued working for the Marines at a local station in GA, until following after her daughter and grandson making Kansas City her home around 1988 where she was employed as a federal employee for the General Services Administration at the huge Bannister Road Federal Complex in KCMO, until she was put on disability. 

Much like her mother and family, faith was and is an important part of Barbara’s life. She worshipped and became a member of Cleveland Avenue Baptist Church (it was the KCMO family church), and later became part of their kitchen committee ministry.. She inspired a sermon by Reverend Price Ellis because she brought back to life a large potted plant that was dying in his office by just making sure it got watered every Sunday and pruned. Rev. Ellis had the now beautiful plant sitting on the pulpit as he told of the importance of watering and care. She kept her involvement in taking care of that plant and being part of Kitchen committee ministry up until she had a serious stroke February 1, 2007. It knocked the wind out of her but she still would make a way to worship by church van or daughter bringing her. She also participated with the Wednesday bible study meeting by phone also. 

Through examples encouraged younger generations of her family to become actively involved in the church and to understand the importance of giving their time and service to others in their community. 

Barbara was an independent, tough, caring, and spiritual woman (she never went without a church home during her moves). She believed in setting high standards for herself and for the generations that followed her. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she expected those she loved to conduct themselves with purpose, pursue their goals, and make the most of their opportunities. Her expectations reflected her strong belief that her family was capable of achieving great things. 

Barbara dedicated and devoted herself to her community Marlborough Heights neighborhood association and LINC through the Kansas City Missouri School District, was a present volunteering as a parent and grandparent liaison at her daughter's and grandchildren's schools and assisting wherever she was needed. Her commitment to education and young people reflected her belief in the importance of preparing future generations for success.Barbara had a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly music, dance, sports, and theater. She also enjoyed watching her favorite television programs on CBS. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr.Willie Marshall (2-24-93) and Mrs. Minnie Elizabeth Johnson (1-11-2006), her brother, Willie Robert Johnson (11-30-95). 

She leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters, Bonita Johnson-Corey, Denise Cox-Oates, and Michele Cox; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her sisters, Carolyn Hardrick and Gloria Metcalf; extended family; lifelong friends; and the many people whose lives she touched through her faith, service, and commitment to making a difference. 

A memorial service for Ms. Barbara Cox will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:00 am at Cleveland Avenue Baptist Church, 2853 Cleveland Avenue Kansas City, MO 64128. (816) 924-8944. All florals or correspondence should be delivered to church as early as 9:00 am central time on 10/17/2026 or contact a family member to forward to them. Thank you. She will be truly missed