Claire G.W. Cox

Claire Gentry Weaver Cox, a long time resident of Rock Port, Mo died in Olathe, Kansas at Santa Marta retirement community on her 89th birthday, Saturday, May 27, 2017.
Claire was born in St. Louis, MO on May 27, 1928, daughter of James Arthur Weaver and Frances Blackburn (Weaver) Hilliard of St. Louis and Fort Lauderdale, FL. Claire grew up in St. Louis County and graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1946. In 1950, she graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO with a B.S. degree in Physical Education.
Claire married John Henry Cox of Rock Port, Missouri on Sept. 23, 1950 in St. Louis. Thereafter, they moved to Rock Port living there for 61 years, raising three children; John Charles, Claire Frances, and James Michael.
In her community, Claire was an active member of First Lutheran Church, serving on the church board as secretary for three years. At First Lutheran she was a member of the Women of the WELCA and a life member of the Church Circles, often serving as the president or leader of those organizations. She was Chairman of the Church Garden Committee and helped plan and landscape the church property.   Claire was also a member of the Church Choir.
In Rock Port Claire served her community for years as a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Brownie Scout Leader and a Girl Scout Troop Leader. With four other mothers she started the first kindergarten in Rock Port. She was Beatification Chairman for the Rock Port Community Betterment Organization for five years and a member and past President of the PEO organization. Claire was also a member of the Sorosis Study Club for over 55 years.
Claire taught Physical Education at Rock Port Elementary and High Schools. She was instrumental in bringing the women’s track and field program to Rock Port High School.
Throughout her life Claire had many areas of interest. The main and proudest endeavor of her life was raising her children and providing a loving and fun home environment for her family.   Claire was also an avid reader, art collector, and spent endless hours caring for her extensive and beautiful garden. She loved and sought out all things beautiful, uplifting and interesting.
Claire is survived by her husband John Henry; her son, John Charles (Emily) of Greenwich, CT; daughter, Claire Frances "Frannie" of Leawood, KS; and son, James Michael of Edwardsville, IL; five grandchildren; Elizabeth Snow, Hillary, Charles, Michael and Anna Cox; brother, James Jasper Weaver of Columbia MO; three nieces, Jan Carrel, Lynn Weaver, and Nancy Beth Johnson; and two nephews, Bryan and Mark Cox.
Services are pending at the Chamberlain Funeral Home in Rock Port in celebration of Claire’s life. In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to Boys Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, or First Lutheran Church of Rock Port.