Frances McKee Dunn Cox, 85, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, died Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at her home. She had been active, healthy, and happy until the moment of her death from cardiac arrest.
Kee was born on July 11, 1930, the daughter of the late William McKee Dunn and Mildred Eddy Dunn of Washington, DC and Hot Springs, Virginia. She was the beloved wife of Louis Anthony Cox, to whom she was married for 60 years. Kee is survived by her husband Louis, her children Louis Anthony “Tony” Cox, Jr., Frances “Nancy” Cox Harris, Elizabeth McKee Cox Mound, Jane Davenport “Jenny” Cox, and Katherine Eddy Cox and their families. She is also survived by her sisters, Mildred Dunn Wilson of White Post, Virginia, and Hildreth Dunn Burnett of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Kee was a devoted and much-loved wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved animals, particularly dogs, cats and horses. She became a very successful breeder of Great Pyrenees dogs during the last two decades of her life. Kee whelped many champion Great Pyrenees dogs in her house, and took pride in her success in improving the breed. Kee had a gift with both people and animals. She was often seen outside tending to her animals, followed by a procession of both dogs and cats who seemed to seek her out for her warmth and loving kindness. Before moving to Martinsburg in 1990, Kee lived for over three decades in McLean, Virginia, where she raised her family and pursued avid interests in photography, pony club, diving, and windsurfing. Kee was a graduate of the Potomac School in McLean, Virginia and of Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia.
Kee delighted in her children and grandchildren and loved her husband and extended family above all else. She is survived by eleven grandchildren: Emeline Cox, Virginia Harris, Kevin Harris, Jr., Caroline Harris, William Mound, Katie Mound, Henry Mound, Tony Blum, Anna Blum, Dani Blum, and James Cox-Donovan.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, March 24, 2016 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Hot Springs, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hillside Veterinary Hospital in Charles Town, West Virginia.
My condolences to the Cox family. I was acquainted with Kee many years ago. She was most certainly a fine lady.
McKee was a dear friend. I learned of her passing just a few moments ago. My most sincere condolences to Louis and the rest of the family. I’ll miss you McKee more than you could ever know. I’ve such fond memories of the time we spent together. Sleep well my friend until we meet again.