Edith Mae Cox

Edith M. (Parke, Montgomery, Tyra) Cox, 85, a resident of Russellville, formerly of Little Rock, left this earth on Friday, July 16, 2010, to join her family and friends who have gone before her. Ms. Cox was born March 29, 1925, at Memphis, Tenn. to May Tully Parke and Frank S. Parke Sr. She was a Presbyterian and a staunch fighter for human rights, because of her belief that "we are not human beings on a spiritual journey, we are spiritual beings on a human journey." She was instrumental, with others, in the integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970's and was a co-founder of Arkansas Women's Rights Inc. Ms. Cox was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Frank S. Park Jr.; her first husband, Russell Herbert Montgomery, who died in the line of duty during World War II; her former husband, Leo P. Tyra Sr.; two grandsons, John S. James and Russell Montgomery; and a great-granddaughter, Abbegail M. Dudley. She leaves behind her seven children, four sons, William Russell Montgomery of Little Rock, Leo P. Tyra Jr. (Judy) of Rogers, James M. Tyra of Cabot, and John P. Tyra of Bella Vista and three daughters, Judith E. Lisle (Homer) of Huntsville, Susan A. Wallace (George) of Russellville, and Edith A. Hickman (Michael) of Bella Vista; a sister, Elizabeth Hodges of San Antonio, Texas; 17 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held for the immediate family. Arrangements are under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Abbegail M. Dudley's name to Baptist Health Foundation NICU Unit, 9601 I-630, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.