Marilyn Lucille Cox

Marilyn Lucille Cox. A lifetime resident of Benton, Arkansas, and a proud and treasured member of the Benton High School class of 1961, Marilyn Lucille Cox, left behind the struggles of a life of polio on January 25, 2015. Despite contracting polio in the second grade, Marilyn graduated with a B.A. from Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway and earned an M.A. from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She worked for many years performing Psychological Evaluations for the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs, and later for the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services in Little Rock, before retiring. For many years, she was an avid swimmer, winning the gold medal and setting a national record in the 25 yard free-style at the 1978 Wheelchair Games in Virginia and competed in the Special Olympics in Hawaii. She was known by all for her intellect and good humor, despite being forced to remain mostly in her bed by the physical after-effects of polio during the last years of her life. A known night owl, whose front door was open to all her friends, her home was often a gathering place for her high school classmates. Whether they gathered to cheer on her beloved Razorbacks or just to catch up, Marilyn's infectious laughter was always a constant refrain. She will be missed by her many friends and family, for all of whom she will continue to be an inspiration. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Mrs. Mary Cox and Mr. William A. Cox of Benton. She is survived by her sister, Rebecca Cox Westerman and her husband, Carlos Westerman. She is also survived by her nieces, Suzanne Landers and Melissa Brock, and her nephews, John Westerman and Paul Westerman, and numerous grand-nieces and nephews and great-grand-nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Benton, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to the Saline County Humane Society, P.O. Box 305, Benton, Arkansas 72018-0305. Online guest book www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.