Carolyn Jean Cox

Carolyn Jean Cox, CJ, of Sebastian, Florida, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the age of 82 at Abide ‘N’ Love Assisted Living Facility in Palm Bay.

She was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia, on May 15, 1943, to Harry Elmo Kessick and Marjorie Leona (Kenison) Kessick. Her education included Huntington East High School, Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, and Northern Virginia Community College Nursing School, Annandale, Virginia.

She had a lengthy career of over 45 years as a registered nurse, having served in various roles beginning with pediatric and surgical rotations at Fairfax Hospital, progressing into personal care giving to a select clientele, and eventually settling into education within a range of supervisory positions.

She leaves behind her son, Gene (Liz) and daughter, Michelle (Jeff), her nine grandchildren, Kim (David), Andi (Josh), Ian (Iryna), Noelle (Johnathan), Jessica, Rachel (Sean), Peter (Amber), Jennifer, and Daniel and her five great grandchildren, Samantha, Blake, Maxwell, Julian, and Evelyn. She is survived by her former husband, Merlyn E. Hyers. In addition, Carolyn leaves behind her brother Steve (Patty) and niece Kelsie, as well as many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Richard, James, and Daniel, and her second husband, William R. Cox.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister, friend, and coworker to many. Enjoying a variety of crafts throughout her life, including sewing clothes, tree skirts, and purses, making jewelry, decorating clothes and shoes, painting anything that she thought needed a fresh or new color, adding sparkles and glamour to her outfits, items around the house, and more recently candles, as well as baking cookies for friends and neighbors. She loved the holidays, decorating inside and outside for each one, and especially getting together with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to celebrate. She will be dearly missed.

She will be laid to rest alongside her second husband, William R. Cox, at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Halo Rescue. 710 Jackson St, Sebastian, FL 32958, Phone (772) 589-7297.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Abide ‘N’ Love Assisted Living Facility in Palm Bay and the many staff members at VITAS for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in her final days.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 11th, at 432 Seagrass Avenue in Sebastian. All are welcome to come any time between 1 pm and 5 pm to visit with family and friends in remembrance of CJ.