Sonia Rice Cox

SONIA RICE COX "HELLO", 67, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2004, after fighting advanced breast cancer for nearly a year and a half. Sonia, affectionately known as "Hello", was a vibrant woman who was deeply loved by her family and friends. More than 51 years ago Sonia and her husband, Thomas P. Cox, Sr., began their life together in Houston, Texas. After several years of traveling with her husband who was in the United States Army, they finally settled down in Houston. It was in Houston where they began their life-long career in the floral and holiday design industry. When she wasn't working alongside her husband, Sonia was raising her five children and later, her 15 grandchildren. Sonia and her family have long struggled with cancer, with two of her children winning life-threatening battles against the disease. During those times of dire need, Sonia was always first to provide support, comfort and love. Sonia was an active supporter of M.D. Anderson and its cancer awareness programs. After being diagnosed with breast cancer herself, Sonia became involved with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Sonia was preceded in death by her granddaughter Amanda Claire Cox, her mother and father, and a brother who died as a child. She leaves behind her husband Thomas P. Cox, Sr., her daughter Kelly Heallen and her husband John, her son Thomas P. Cox, Jr. and his wife Donna, her son David Cox and his wife Cathy, her son Paul Cox and his wife Linda, and her son Jason Cox as well as numerous other family members and friends. Services are to be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, on Monday January 3, 2005, at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Susan G. Komen foundation in care of Kelly C. Heallen, 1177 West Loop South, Suite 650, Houston, Texas 77027. A reception will follow the service at 11939 Pebble Rock Drive, Houston, Texas 77077 until 5:00 p.m.