Jacqueline G. Cox

Celebration of Life

Jacqueline Gertrude Cox, age 94, was born on October 12, 1930, in Columbus, Ohio, to Agnew Delance Cleage and Grace Adele Cleage. She passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Jacqueline grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where she attended Garfield Elementary, Pilgrim Elementary, and Champion Junior High School in her youth. She graduated from East High School.

Jacqueline began working when she was 9 years old, babysitting, and at the age of 16, she started helping to prepare lunches for children in the school cafeteria. As an adult, Jacqueline worked at COSI, the Columbus Museum of Art, and for 29 years at Ohio Bell, where she retired.

Over her distinguished career, she earned numerous professional achievements and certifications, including a Certificate of Completion as a Fleet Driver, a Certificate of Acknowledgment in Appreciation of her contributions to the children of Boys Town, and memberships with Eastern Star and Capital City Temple # 231.

Beyond her professional life, Jacqueline's true passion was giving back to the community. She made several monetary donations to the United Negro College Fund and St. Jude Hospital. As the matriarch of the Cox family, she never turned anyone away, always welcoming others with open arms, and she had a heart full of love and acceptance.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Agnew and Grace; her brother, Agnew Cleage Jr.; her sister, Helen Davis; and her great-grandson, Nickolas Cowans.

She is survived by Latonia Evans (sister), children: Leroy Calhoun, Shirleen (James) Wilkinson, James Cox, Deborah Baker, Judith (Bruce) McCaskill, and Freda Knapper. A host of loving grand, great and great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Special nephew Dwayne Cox and special cousin Yvonne Gaither.

Jacqueline's life is a celebration of God's goodness and faithfulness. Memories of her will forever be cherished in the hearts of her loved ones. Her legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to inspire and guide generations to come.