Jane Cox's Obituary
Jane M. Cox, 79, of Vandalia, IL, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO.
Per Jane’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded. A Graveside Service & Interment will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, October 24, 2025 at Farina Cemetery, Farina, IL with Pastor Curtis Flake officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00-10:00 AM, Friday, October 24, 2025 at Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to World Central Kitchen or the Central Illinois Food Bank. Online condolences can be expressed at https://www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Jane Mae Hubbard was born on October 1, 1946, in Vandalia, Illinois, to George Edwin and Almeda Lois Mae (Whitford) Hubbard. On August 20, 1967, she married Richard Lee Cox in Farina, Illinois, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 51 years and blessed them with three children.
Jane and Rick both graduated from Eastern Illinois University with degrees in education, and together they dedicated their lives to inspiring young minds. Jane began her teaching career in 1968 at Patoka Community Unit School District #100, later joining Vandalia Community High School in 1983, where she taught until 2002. She continued sharing her passion for learning at Kaskaskia College until her retirement in 2019. As a proud member of the Illinois Education Association, Jane was deeply committed to advocating for her profession and supporting her fellow educators. Throughout her career, she was more than an educator—she was a mentor, a guide, and a friend to countless students and colleagues.
Outside the classroom, Jane found joy in nurturing her flower gardens, spending peaceful hours tending to her yard. She had a lifelong fascination with historical homes and lighthouses, often seeking out opportunities to learn about and admire their unique stories and architecture. Jane was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Vandalia, where she participated in Bible study and sang in the church choir. Above all, she treasured time spent with her immediate family, siblings, and nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Cox is survived by her son, Steven Cox of Vandalia; daughter, Karin Cox of Pittsburgh, PA; sister, Margaret and husband Rev. Frank Mantz of London, Ontario, Canada; sister, Mary and husband Michael Shupe of Rogers, AR; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends; and her beloved canine companion, Scruffy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and infant daughter, Laura Christine Cox.
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