MRS. MABLE HUBBARD COX 1927 – 2023 Life Reflections

Mable Matilda Hubbard Cox was entered this life on June 3, 1927, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the fifth of eight children born to George and Laura Hubbard.

Her brilliance was noted at an early age, as she learned to read before entering Scott Street Elementary School. She graduated from McKinley Senior High School with honors and began working, along with her sister Laura, as a teacher in a small country school just outside of Baton Rouge. She and Laura later realized their dreams of becoming Registered Nurses after graduating from the General Hospital #2 School of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri. She would later excel in achieving a stellar nursing career that spanned over 43 years, beginning at Flint Goodrich Hospital from 1949 to 1952; Charity Hospital from 1952 to 1954 and the U.S. Public Health Hospital, including becoming the first African American Head Nurse in Louisiana, actively participating in the desegregation of the hospital, receiving certification as an Infant Care Specialist; certification as an Enterostomy Therapist from Atlanta’s Emory University, then developing and managing the Enterostomy Program at the hospital. During her 27-year tenure at this hospital, she accelerated to become a chief administrative nurse and was appointed as director of all hospital operations before its closure. She was pivotal in the opening of the New Orleans Child and Adolescent Hospital—the first state-operated mental hospital for children and adolescents in the city, where she served as a nurse administrator from 1981 to 1992. She was honored to work with her RN colleague and best friend, Georgia Simon at both the U.S. Public Health Hospital and the New Orleans Child and Adolescent Hospital. Additionally, for a few years to occupy her time, energetic Mable came out of retirement and took a part-time Office Assistant position at the property management business of her friend Lurene Castro, until the ripe age of 84. She was proud to recount that she had retired three times during her lifetime.

Her love for Jesus was nurtured at an early age by her mother, as she and her siblings attended an evangelistic meeting held by Elder Charles Bradford, which resulted in the family’s baptism into the Seventh-day Adventist church, and becoming faithful members of the Berean Baton Rouge Church. Grand- ma Hubbard served as a wonderful role model to her family, as she worked untiringly at the church, including serving as a personal assistant to visiting evangelists. Her sister Doris introduced her to James Wallace Cox at a Baton Rouge church function. After losing touch, she met up with him again while living onsite at the Flint Goodrich Hospital. She frequently remarked how James had a special doorbell ring to alert her of his presence at the hospital quarters (two short rings and one long ring). They were known by all to refer to one another as “Sweetheart” and “Sweetie.” During their courtship their love blossomed. They had a modest marriage ceremony on April 17, 1951. (Fifty years later, they had the lavish ceremony of Mable’s dreams to reaffirm their love.) James and Mable were proud of their first home in Little Farms, built by James’ own hands. They soon started their family, welcoming three sons, James, Jr., William and Michael. The family later moved to the ‘new’ prestigious golf community in Pontchartrain Park in 1958.

Mable and James were prominent members of the New Orleans Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church, where James helped build the church. Along with James, Mable served in several offices, including many years as Sabbath School Teacher and Church Clerk. They later moved to the Caffin Avenue Church to support the ministry of their middle son, William. There she served as Health and Temperance leader. She was most notably known for the kindness, love and generosity shown to her family, church members, neighbors and friends. She often provided nursing care, meals, clothing and hospital and home visits to those in need. She reached out to everyone, using a straightforward, motherly approach to encourage and uplift others, especially those in despair. She proudly mentored her adopted daughter, Dr. Shelia Webb, who became a renowned government official in the city of New Orleans. Her love for her three sons was unmatched. She and James frequently traveled to the homes of their pastor sons James, Jr., and William, giving them spiritual counsel and support. She often boasted that she had gained three daughters, Adela, LaTanya and Michelle, refusing to use the term daughter-inlaw. In 1997, James and Mable moved in with Michael and Michelle, while they awaited the building of a huge addition to their home. This faithful pair, with the help of their children Michael, Miguel and Michele (Nikki) became the primary caregivers of Mable and James during their golden years, keeping the promise they would never have to reside in a nursing home. Affectionately called Momé, Mable had a significant bond with each of her nine grandchildren, teaching them many life lessons. Each can eagerly recite her favorite saying, “When a job is daughter Michelle, grandson Michael and his wife Ashley; grandson Miguel and his wife Jessica and their children, and granddaughter Michele (Nikki) and her husband Clinton and their children. She continues to sleep in Jesus, awaiting the sound of the last trump, when she will be resurrected with her husband and other family members and friends, to live eternally. first begun, do it right until it’s done. . .” Every grandchild cherished visits from their grandparents and upon their arrival, devoured Mable’s “famous” veggie spread sandwiches. Mable was also known for her love of shopping and bargain hunting. Her family and friends were the cheerful recipients of her conquests. The grandchildren who lived in the New Orleans area relished the privilege of receiving her love and tutelage daily. Her 23 great grandchildren came to know and love her as well.

With the loss of James on January 8, 2022, Mable continued the race until her final rest on April 25, just after midnight. Mable expired peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her three sons,

She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. She leaves to mourn her loss her sisters Laura Thomas and Betty Jean Stanford; sons James Jr., (Adela); William, Sr., (LaTanya), and Michael Sr., (Michelle); adopted daughters Dr. Shelia Webb, Linda Theriot and Wilda Smith; adopted sons Cedric Francois, Hezekiah Brinson, Ricki Mooney and Dr. Joe Grider; grandchildren Karin Lindsey (Kelvin); William, Jr., (Whitley); LaTisha Spence (Shadeed); Jamaal, Sr., (Anita); Michele Craddock (Clinton); Krystal, Michael, Jr., (Ashley); Miguel (Jessica), and Dr. James W. Cox III; adopted grandchildren Ashleigh Webb and Warren Webb, Jr., (Kristin); great grandchildren Khalil, Miguel, Jr., Aiden, Gabriel, Jamaal, Jr., Lailah, Michael Christian, Sydney, Juliana, Morgan, Alexandria, Khash, Clinton, Jr., Beylyn, Khace, Jaden, Saige, Leo, Elaina, Harper, Tatum, Audriana and Weslee; special friend Georgia Simon; special nieces Barbara Hubbard Spence, Charmaine Taylor, Curtrel Cutno, Helga Hubbard; special nephews Earl Hubbard, Sr., Earl Hubbard, Jr., and Samuel Thomas III, and a host of other beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends.

“But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that fall asleep; that ye sorrow not, even as the rest, who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). We will see you again Momé, and look forward to spending eternity with you! t

Special Thanks to the Cox family from Regional Voice magazine for sharing this tribute to Mrs. Mable Hubbard Cox, Mother of RCRP Director Dr. William Cox, Sr. Her inspiring life revealed dedication to God, her family, her profession and to humanity.