Ernestine Simmons Cox

Our beloved mother. Ernestine Simmons Cox, age 60, graduated into glory as the angels of God escorted her into the arms of a loving Savior on March 8, 2011, in Mineral, Washington. She was born to Noble and Delores Lawrence in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 26, 1950.

She moved to the Tri-Cities with her husband Otha Simmons Jr. in the mid-1970's. After 15 years of marriage, they were divorced.

She was a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities where she worked for the Hanford nuclear site for 21 years advancing in numerous positions. Unfortunately she was caught in the midst of a layoff and the downsizing resulted in her move to Western Washington.

She later moved to Mineral, Washington, and enrolled in Alexander Therapeutic Massage School in Tacoma, Washington, where she advanced and became a Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP). In October 2009, she opened her own business, 'Traveling Hands' in Eatonville, WA.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, late husband (Henry Haynes Jr.), one brother (Noble Lawrence Jr.), one sister (Evelyn Jones), and one grandson (Darrell Kinsey Jr.). She was blessed with two daughters, Angela Haynes, Seattle, WA, with three grandchildren (Ashley, Bryanna and Demetris); Pamela Kinsey, Richland, WA, with four grandchildren (Durrell, Ajanae, Jordyn and Judah); God-daughter (Dionna Smith, Las Vegas, NV); God-sons (Demetrius & Devon Straws, Pasco, WA). She is survived by her husband Perry Cox of Mineral, Washington. Additional loved ones were added to her life during their union, a daughter/ son-in-law; a son/daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren. She leaves 8 brothers and 5 sisters, a host of nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews and many dear and close friends. She dearly loved her precious poodle 'Holly' and her entire family. She will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial service will take place at World Life Christian Center, 5256 Outlet Drive, Pasco, Washington, on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at 1 p.m.