Melissa Ann Marnich Cox, 41, of Lake Charles, passed away Friday, March 17, at 12:50 p.m. surrounded by family and friends. Melissa was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was a kind, caring, and endlessly generous soul who will be forever missed. She had an uncanny way of impacting all those whose lives she touched. To know her was to love her, and loved she was!
From the time she was a little girl, her parents always knew she would be a leader. As she became an adult, she certainly did not disappoint. Melissa had a love for science and pursued that love first at Louisiana State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science. Following that, she graduated with a Master’s in Teaching from McNeese State University and then obtained a Master’s plus Thirty from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. She gave to her community by serving in the Junior League of Lake Charles for eight years and working on grants, scholarships, and leadership development programs.
Melissa had an adventurous spirit; she loved her home state and loved to travel. She never met a challenge she wasn’t ready for, making her a perfect boy mom! Though a dedicated and busy student, teacher, and mother, she continued to thrive and embraced life. She was an active member of the Krewe du Savage, passing on her favorite traditions to her children. She backpacked through Europe, ran 5k’s, took her kids skiing, on beach vacations, canoe trips, 4-wheeler riding, and much more. She was never going to let any grass grow under her feet.
If you knew Melissa, you know that she bled blue. She was a biology teacher at Barbe High School and an avid soccer sponsor. She devoted herself to her students and always found the time and energy to go the extra mile to provide an environment that instilled a love of learning in those she taught.
“A good teacher is like a candle; it consumes itself to light the way for others.”-Anonymous.
Although Melissa had many accolades and love for her school and occupation, her greatest joy in life was being a wife to Clinton and a mom to her precious boys. The goals and dreams of her children became hers. She coached their soccer teams, served as dugout mom at baseball, and was always their biggest cheerleader on and off the field. She was their keeper and an unbreakable force that ensured all things were possible. The love she had for her family was palpable; she was truly an inspiration.
Melissa was taken from us much too soon, but there is no doubt she lived her life fully, without fear, hesitation, or regret. She was a blessing to those she considered family or friends, and her memory will be treasured. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. Melissa gave all of herself in life without reservation; her final act ensured her spirit and legacy would live on by bestowing the gift of life to those in need through organ donation.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” -Abraham Lincoln.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 13 years, Clinton Patrick Cox; four sons, Gabriel, Mason, Cannon, and Walker; her father, Timothy Keith Marnich; brother, Nicholas Marnich; and mother-in-law, Cindy Cox, all of Lake Charles. She also leaves behind her Barbe High School family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jean Marnich; maternal grandparents, Abel and Irene Kershaw; and paternal grandparents, Daniel and Angeline Marnich.
A Celebration honoring her life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 24, at Trinity Baptist Church Central Venue. The Rev. Drew Mills will officiate. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. prior to the service.
Memorial donations may be made to Barbe High School Athletics.
The Cox family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and support that family, friends, and the community have shown. It has been so uplifting to know how many lives she touched and how many people loved her.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.