Barbara J. Cox

Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of our matriarch, Barbara Jean (Fiebrantz) Cox, on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Barbara passed away peacefully, surrounded by her "village" of loved ones. Barbara was born on July 4, 1934, in Belvidere, IL, to Clara (Bottcher) and Melvin Fiebrantz. She married the love of her life, Quinn (Bill) Cox, and they were married for over 50 years. The two shared a deep and lasting love until Bill's passing on June 19, 2000. Together, they raised seven children, showering them with unconditional love. They built a life rooted in family and love, leaving behind four generations of loved ones.
Barbara worked many jobs over the years, spending 35 years as a supervisor at Cor Mariae Nursing Home for the nuns. Her biggest passion was spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She knew every detail of every child's and grandchild's life, guiding them throughout their lives with her wisdom. Barbara loved to go shopping-Walmart being her favorite. She spent hours filling her cart with anything on sale that would make others happy. She loved fishing, casinos, bingo, and picnics, and she loved going to fairs.
Barbara was a woman of immense warmth and strength, dedicating her life to family and friends, always there with a listening ear and a comforting embrace. Her home was filled with love and laughter-and plenty of food for all. Every holiday, the house was bursting with family and friends. Barb was famous for her big, delicious meals. At Christmas and Thanksgiving, she would cook homemade pies, cakes, and her famous pumpkin bars. On Halloween and Easter, she would make 40 candy bags and Easter baskets, filling them with candy and toys. We loved celebrating the Fourth of July because it was her birthday-she was the biggest firecracker of all.
She is survived by her children, Roger (Kathy) Fiebrantz, Fritz (Leilah Mae) Cox, Debra Thompson, Rose (Rick) Rose, Betty Cox, and Pamela (Frank) Sexton; stepson, Danny (Dee) Cox; and Jill (Tim) Curtis; grandchildren, Misty, Heather (Pedro), Amber (Paulie), Roger Allen, Sylvia, Jesse (Chelsea), Jessica (Tyler), Robbie, Donnie, Christina (Dan), Danny (Brandy), Joe, Chuck (Marissa), Richie (Anna), Sophia (Zeke), Deanne, Dana, Danielle, and Danny Cox; great-grandchildren, Maxwell, Quinnlynn, Alexia (Jose), Kyndra, Isaiah, Luna, Daniel Dade, Alonzo, Hope, Lydia, Emaly, Alex, Tabitha (Robert), Aubrey (Vern), Zack (Alex), Eric, JayJay, Cameron, Jaime, Raymond (Jasmine), Charlie (Esme), Gracie, Jaxon, Gabby, Quinn, Ariana, Tiara, Jamie, JJ, Chloe, Isaac, Isaiah (Taylor); great-great-grandchildren, Myla, Kylo, Leonardo, Lizabeth, Tonieo, Madison, Malani, Vernon, Andrew, Kodie, Noah, Izahlia, Khaliana, Aztlan, Xalena, Karmissa, Karmonie, Yanelly, Lorenzo, Chance, Brielle, and Geovanni, Ne'kani; nieces and nephews, Linda, Melvin, Barb, Diane, Tina, Donnie, and Ronnie; and special people in Barb's life, Dawn Martell, Donna, and Big Danny.
She was predeceased by the love of her life, Quinn (Bill) Cox; mother, Clara; father, Melvin; sister, Dolores (Bob) Hamor; brother, Melvin (Tiny); daughter, Vicki Cox; granddaughter, Tammy Gonzalez; grandsons, Juan Gonzalez and Dale Posey; sons-in-law, Rob, Chuck, Dave, Randy, and Lee Andrews; nephews, Mike Fiebrantz and Bobby Hamor; and best friend, Pat Grier.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and strength will live on through four generations. We will carry her memory in our hearts forever. "While the pain of loss is deep, the treasure of memories she left behind is a gift that will last forever."
Funeral Service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111 with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park, following the service.
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