Sue Anne Cox

Dr. Sue Anne Cox died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 11 at Memorial Hermann Hospital. She is preceded in death by her parents, Judson Harmon Cox and Lillie Cox, her sister Judith Herrington, brother-in-law Gordon Herrington, and nephew James Herrington. She was also predeceased by dear friends Diane Bynum, Edward Fritchie, Marian McWhorter, Larry Mers, Kathy Housel, and Bill Walters. 

Sue was born in Lockhart, Texas, in 1939. She graduated from Texas Christian University with a BA in History in 1961, an MA in History from the University of Texas in 1967, and an EdD from the University of Houston in 1973.  After receiving her M.A., Sue moved to Athens, Greece, and taught at the American Community School.

Returning to Texas, Sue joined Houston Community College in 1973 as Division Chairperson for Social Sciences, and in 1983 she was promoted to Dean of Social Sciences and Instructional Services. In 1991 she was named founding President of Southwest College, which she led with distinction, working in partnership with community leaders to acquire and upgrade facilities and promote student access to education. Under her leadership, the College grew and thrived, expanding into Stafford, Alief and Missouri City, developing major campuses there and at West Loop in Southwest Houston.  She valued her faculty and staff and was admired and loved in return.

Throughout her years at HCC, Sue’s career was characterized by support for women and underserved students. She had a natural gift for working effectively with administrators, faculty, and students. Among her lasting contributions to the institution as a whole was the Bedicheck Faculty Development Fund. She also pioneered the Association of Women Administrators, the first organization to address the concerns of many women who were beginning to assume leadership positions at HCC.

Sue Anne, as her family and childhood friends knew her, was devoted to her parents, becoming a caregiver to both as they came to the end of their lives. She was an amazing aunt, who brought adventure, travel stories, and fun into the lives of her niece and nephews.  Christmas time with Sue Anne was magical, with Lillie’s Texas Trash, the family’s tradition of debate and discussion of history and current events, rousing games of Charades, and the reading of Dickens’ beloved A Christmas Carol. These traditions will continue, in honor of Sue, her sister and her parents.

As children, Sue Anne and her sister Judy loved the beach, and also enjoyed visits to their grandparents’ farm in Arkansas.  She maintained her love of the beach in adulthood, owning  homes in San Luis Pass, then Jamaica Beach, where she lived for many years after her retirement.   When she moved to Greece as a young woman, Sue had the chance to travel throughout Europe and the Middle East, and global travel continued to be an important part of her life. Sue often traveled with HCC friends who shared her love of adventure: together, they visited Africa, China, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Norway, Italy, the UK, France, Spain, Mexico, Alaska, Costa Rica and Nepal, among other destinations near and far. Sue’s broad appreciation of different cultures was coupled with a love of the natural world. She was an accomplished photographer whose images reflect the depth and variety of her experiences.

Sue showed great courage and strength in coming back from multiple health challenges  following a major stroke in 2013, and became a role model in setting a standard of dignity and independence for living her life. 

Sue Anne is survived by her niece, Susan Jones and her husband Stephen, of Little Rock, Arkansas, her nephew Scott Herrington and his wife Cheryl of Bentonville, Arkansas, three great nephews Sam Herrington, Jacob Herrington, and Asher Herrington, and four godchildren.  She also leaves behind many friends, including Sandy Smith of Colorado, Sandy Starbuck of Clear Lake, Texas, Lynn Walters of Ledbetter, Texas, the women of the Mid-Winter Conference, the Jamaica Janes, her travel companions, and of course the many Houston Community College friends and colleagues who enriched her life.

The family wishes to thank the outstanding medical community of Houston, Texas, and to acknowledge the devoted care of Patricia Williamson, longtime friend and colleague, who  supported Sue’s health and personal needs following her stroke, and helped her navigate the independent life she desired.

*******The Celebration of Life of Dr. Sue Cox is now rescheduled.*********

Streaming services will be available to all, as well as in person attendance for all those who wish to do so.  Please note: you MUST register to attend in person or to receive the streaming link online. Please visit https://hcc.events.idloom.com/cox to register or to leave a memory.

Donations: In lieu of flowers or to honor Sue, please consider a donation to the HCC Foundation, Dr. Sue Cox and Dr. Pat Williamson Scholarship. 

Online:  https://HCCSFoundation.org/donate 

Tribute Gift: In memory of,  Sue Cox

Designation: Other, Sue Cox Scholarship

or

Mail a Check: 

     HCC Foundation

     3100 Main Suite 12B12

     Houston, Tx 77002

 Memo line: Sue Cox Scholarship