Leila Fern “Johnnie” Cox, 95, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 2:05 am December 18, 2022 at Mount Vernon Countryside Manor.
She was born June 26, 1927 in Mount Vernon to the late Berthold L. and Minnie Pearl (Wells) Flanagan. Johnnie first married Silas Dare. She later married William H. Cox, Sr. on August 12, 1972 in Woodlawn, Illinois. They preceded her in death.
Johnnie is survived by her sons, James W. Dare of Highland Village, Texas and Robert L. Dare of Martinez, Georgia; grandchildren, Tracy Defabio and husband, Ron, John W. Dare, Robbi Sullivan and husband, Dave, Megan E. Dare, and Jacob W. Dare; great-grandchildren, Coletin Defabio, Shelby Defabio, Aurora Dare, Ryan Sullivan, Jacob Sullivan, and Everett Sullivan; stepchildren, William Cox, Jr. and wife, Pam, John Cox and wife, Debbie, Hedy Goss, Marty Cox and wife, Cindi, and Chris Cox and wife, Linda; step-grandchildren, Christy Young and husband, Danny, Mindy Goss, Jill Buck, Billy Cox III and wife, Jennie, Julie Hovermale, Jack Cox, Casey Rhine, Libby Donaldson, Marc Cox, Michael Cox, and Daniel Cox; several step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husbands, Johnnie was preceded in death by her siblings, Oneta Dixon, Onis Flanagan, Orval Flanagan, Kenneth Flanagan, and Claude Flanagan; and stepson-in-law, Larry Goss.
Johnnie first worked at Illinois Power and later at King City Federal Savings and Loan for 25 years. She attended Old Union Missionary Baptist Church. Johnnie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 11:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home with Reverend Ralph Wilton officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Johnnie’s honor to a charity of the donor’s choice. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.