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Sally Cox Obituary
Salem - Sally Ann (Stepanek) Cox went to be with Jesus on Sunday, October 6th, at the age of 59, after fighting the good fight against cancer. A poet, a professor, a faithful wife, and a dear sister and friend, Sally (often called Anna) was born on July 1, 1960 in Mount Prospect, IL to Walter & Georgianna Stepanek. She received her BA from Yale University, her MFA from the University of Iowa, and her PhD in Creative Writing & Literature from the University of Houston.
Sally was an accomplished writer, brilliant scholar, founder of The Miracle Arts Center (now Project Art) at the University of Iowa Hospital, and winner of the National Poetry Series in 2006 for her book, Three Breathing. A constant creator of beauty, she lived and traveled many places, from Prague to Mozambique to the Midwest and then Oregon. She was best known and loved, though, for her deep friendships, for her unfailing kindness, and for her profound faith in Jesus.
Sally is survived by her husband, Terry Cox; her sister Nancy (Friederich) Lueckhof; her brother Mark (Laurie) Stepanek, and by her nephews Benjamin (Desirée) Lueckhof & Jack Stepanek; along with her in-laws, Margie & Wayne Cox; Candace, Tyler, Cade, Miles, and Sam Lute; and many friends who had become like family.
A memorial will be held on Saturday, October 12th at 11am at Morning Star Community Church in Salem, Oregon. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sally Cox
Sponsored by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
5 Entries
Donna S
March 4, 2021
I'm so sorry to see this. I knew Anna in Prague and then in New York City, where we had a poetry reading group together. Anna was a very special person, brilliant and generous and kind, burning at a bright flame. I remember her intense love of Wallace Stevens. For my birthday once she gave me the most beautiful (and expensive) copper dress. It never really fit, but I couldn't bear to part with it, and it's still in its box in my mom's attic, twenty years later. My condolences to her loved ones.
Paula
October 5, 2020
Anna
Missing you!
P
Paula MinGucci
October 24, 2019
There are so many, I weep as I write this. I love you Anna, Ill miss you my dearest friend. One of my memories was when we went to Joshua Mills together, or when we met at her house with friends every week. Anna and I would share long talks and prayers on the phone. She was a very special and unique person. I love her so much and miss her very much. Ill never forget your face with a smile and the "hey' I would hear you say. Can't wait to see you again, on the shores of eternal glory. Love you dear friend. SO GLAD you are dancing on streets of gold. I can hear you say, OH PAULA, IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL HERE. Your wondered filled eyes as you see the glory of the kingdom of God.
Millie Longbons
October 10, 2019
Terry, Nancy, MarkI have so many memories of a beautiful life cut way too short. I mourn with you. Yet, we remember that beautiful smile and positive attitude and know God is smiling right back at her. How can we not find comfort in that?
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