NOMA M. COX

- June 17, 2022

Our mother, Noma M. Cox was born on May 8, 1934 and passed on June 17, 2022. She was the daughter of a California ranch foreman and was the youngest of 6 children. Mom met Dad when she was 8 and he was 11. They met on the school bus driven by his mother. They grew up together and began dating as teenagers. Both families knew each other well and supported the relationship. When mom was 17 and dad was 20, her parents were moving to northern California for work. My parents didn’t want to be separated, so with the blessings of both sets of parents, they got married. Dad graduated from UCLA and entered the Air Force as a 2nd Lt. in October, 1955, the month Vickie was born. Mom followed Dad as he progressed in his military career living in numerous places including, California, Germany, Maryland, Alabama, Thailand and lastly to San Antonio. Along the way, Steven was born, Jeff came next, Kathleen came 3 years later and lastly Carrie was born. As a military wife

May 8, 1934

she had to move frequently and help us kids adjust to new locations, new schools and new friends. Our brother, Steven, was diagnosed as intellectually disabled at age 3. Doctors told our parents to institutionalize him but they refused. Our mom insisted that he participate in school, years before special education became part of the school system. They found a program that they were able to do at home with the help of neighbors and Steven was able to learn to read. Since my dad was working, most of this fell on mom. She did it all. Our parents love for each other was complete and total, as was their love for us. When dad was in Vietnam for a year, our mother knew that he would return to her, even when he was missing for a week. She never let us know how scared she was until he was safe. When he passed in 1990 at the age of 59 from a sudden, massive heart attack, she was lost. She loved us and her 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren with all her heart, but she never stopped missing him desperately. They were married for 39 years and she was without him for 32. We are comforted knowing she is now reunited with him and they are together with my brother Steven, who passed in 2008. Mom was beautiful, intelligent, and determined. We learned compassion from her, to work hard, be kind to others, especially those who were struggling, to treat everyone equally, but above all, to always keep family close. During the last few years, as her health declined, we were extremely lucky to find caring people to help her. Bertha Hernandez first came to us to help mom care for my brother, Steven. She continued to help mom after he passed. Ericka Reyes helped keep her home clean and safe. When it came time to find a higher level of care for mom, we were blessed to find Olga Acuna and Alicia Alvarez. They provided loving care for mom that went above and beyond our expectations. All of these caregivers and helpers become a part of our family. We will be forever grateful to them.

Interment will follow in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

You are invited to sign

the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com

Arrangements with