Gisele' Cox (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Gisèle Georgette Cox
was one of those people who “never met a stranger.” In her many, diverse travels and situations, she was an open, eager adventurer, seeking out interaction and conversation, making lifelong friends wherever she went. Her family enjoyed an endless supply of friends wanting to share fresh produce, eggs, milk, meat, crafts, and love, given eagerly by people, merely from having met her, been touched by her. Appointments were changed without penalty, store hours were extended, and normal procedures were waived to make our lives easier, in the wake of her friendships. She charmed as easily as she was charmed. We will carry that with us, forever.
Gisèle was born Gisèle Serreau in France, the year before the country was occupied by the German Army, and endured the wartime hardships with her 3 younger brothers and sister, their father fighting for France in North Africa. His return was a highlight in her life, as was his memory. His passing away at age 35 was one of the lowest, and was not the last test of her lifelong faith. She was sent on scholarship for English to Cambridge University in London, paying expenses by working as a live-in housekeeper. She returned to France with excellent English grammar, and helped her mother raise the family working as a clerk at the Base Exchange of a nearby American airbase. Here she met a young airman from West Virginia, a self-described “hillbilly” named Clifford Nelson Cox. It seemed a case of “opposites attract,” but from tiny seeds sprout deep roots, and far-reaching tendrils. They married in France in the innocent, newly-prosperous days of the early 1960’s, and had a loving son and daughter. Clifford’s Air Force career took the family to Long Island, New York, temporary assignments in Texas, six years in England, and seven in New Mexico.
The kids grew up, and Gisèle and Cliff moved to SW Missouri. Gisèle operated successful businesses everywhere they went. In later years Gisèle and Cliff spent many happy days vacationing in their RV, with Arizona being a favorite destination. There Gisèle discovered the hobby of making ceramics, and made more friends.
In 2000 she fought her bravest battle, and beat cancer. The treatment, by its nature, is harmful to all tissues, and the war was won. The treatment, concentrated at her throat, took her singing voice, and made swallowing difficult, then impossible. Her health declined steadily, and Cliff’s death in 2005 bowed her, but she did not break. She smiled bravely. She was not done. She had relatives to visit, hers and Cliff’s. She managed to travel to West Virginia, Texas several times, and all over Colorado, where she lived with her daughter Francine after Clifford joined our Savior.
She was elated when her children arranged for her to return to France. It would be her last time seeing her country, and her French family and friends. Francis, Francine and her husband Chris accompanied her 10 months before she went to her rest, before she went to rejoin Cliff.
She has no pain now.
...She’ll be singing when we get there; Cliff may be playing the harmonica
What’s your fondest memory of Gisele'?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gisele'?
Share a story where Gisele''s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gisele' you’ll never forget.
How did Gisele' make you smile?
