Ina V. Pace

Ina Virdue (Cox) Pace of Meridian, MS, passed away on March 26, 2024, at the Blake in Flowood.  She was 93.  Ina V. was born on June 11, 1930, to the late Sam and Vera Cox of Johns, MS.  She grew up in the Johns area and attended Johns School.  She married J.W. Pace, also of Johns, and they made their home in Meridian where they were both very active members of the community.  Ina V. was employed by the state of MS until her retirement in 1990.  In addition to her work, she and J.W. owned Renfroe Hardware Company in downtown Meridian, and they were members of First Christian Church in Meridian for more than 50 years.  Ina V. served as Grand Electa in the Order of the Eastern Star in Meridian and she was heavily involved in the Masonic Children’s Home in Meridian (currently Hope Village for Children), which provided a home for children without suitable homes of their own.  She also volunteered her time at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.  

Ina V. was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Vera Cox; her husband J.W. Pace; 2 brothers, Alton and Ray Cox; her nephew, Lamar Cox; and her niece, Sue Cox Middleton.  She is survived by her great-nieces and -nephews Chad Middleton, Debbie Middleton Nester, Marty Cox, and Tonya Cox DeRuiter, as well as many great, great-nieces and -nephews.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Ella Baker, Debra Lindsey, and Burnell Greer for taking such great care of Ina V.  Thanks are also owed to the staff at the Blake Flowood and VitalCaring Group.  

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 am Saturday, March 30 at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS with funeral service at 11 am in the chapel.  Pallbearers are Hayes Middleton, Grayson Nester, Dean DeRuiter, Tyler Cox, Colton Cox, and Robert Cox.  A graveside service will follow at the Johns Cemetery.  Rev. Mark Benson will officiate.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the organizations Ina V. loved:   Hope Village for Children, 2433 23rd Ave, Meridian, MS 39301 or First Christian Church, 2310 13th St, Meridian, MS 39301.