Mary Fletcher Cox Branch

Mary Fletcher Cox Branch, of Tampa, Fla., passed away on Monday, November 5, 2018, at the age of 80. She was born in Jackson, Tenn., on May 20, 1938, to John Fletcher and Helen (Henderson) Cox who preceded her in death. The family settled in Morrilton, Ark., where her father owned the Cox Chevrolet Co. Mary is survived by her daughter, Ashley Tucker Branch of Tampa, a brother John Fletcher (Cecele) Cox of Layton, Utah, nieces and nephews. Two sisters preceded her in death, Sally Wood Cox Buckley, and Julia Tucker Cox Bell. A graduate of Morrilton High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club Honorary Society and valedictorian of her graduating class. In 1960 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and chemistry from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., with minors in math and English. While at Lindenwood she was an honor student and active in student government becoming president of the student body in her senior year. Following graduation, she worked as a chemist in the Blood Chemistry Research Department at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. She then studied in Mumbai, India where she attended Wilson College as a microbiology graduate student on a Rotary International Foundation Scholarship. Upon returning to the United States, she furthered her microbiology studies at the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in Little Rock, Ark., where she was a member of the local Chapter of Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society. She began her distinguished teaching career in 1965, at Little Rock Central High School teaching biology and chemistry. Five years later, she moved to Tampa, Florida where she continued to teach science and mathematics at St. Mary's Episcopal School, Berkeley Preparatory School, St. John's Episcopal Day School, and Holy Trinity Christian School until she retired in 2010. Mary's passion for teaching was evident through 45 years of dedication to her students, the schools in which she was employed, and to her fellow faculty members with whom she enjoyed reminiscing about their time together. Deeply involved in the community, she was a member of the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry Board of Directors, Golf View Civic Association, a Tampa General Hospital volunteer, as well as, a science and mathematics tutor to many. Mary was affiliated with the National Association of Science Teachers, National Educators' Association, and the American Association of University Women. She was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Mary Cox Branch will be dearly missed by her former students, fellow teachers, friends and family, and especially by her daughter with whom she shared a special bond. Expressions of love in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105. A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Blount and Curry Funeral Home in Tampa. www.blountcurrymacdill.com.