John Kent Cox

August 13, 1956 - November 19, 2011

BERRIEN SPRINGS — John Kent Cox, 55, of Berrien Springs passed away peacefully Saturday at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, with family members at his side. Florin Funeral Services of St. Joseph has been entrusted with the arrangements, and friends are encouraged to share memories at www.florin.net. A private service for family is scheduled. Memorial contributions can be made to Gateway of Berrien Springs, a not-for-profit organization that offers employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. A final resting place for Johnny’s ashes has yet to be determined. Johnny was born Aug. 13, 1956, in Niles to Mary (Davis) and Stanley Cox. Johnny had a big personality, a great sense of humor and a joyful, feisty spirit. He was a hard worker and held jobs at the former Berrien General Hospital and, most recently, Gateway. He loved music, dancing, coloring and putting things in order. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by five sisters, Karen (Richard) LaTour of Marshalltown, Iowa; Pauletta (Michael) Johnson of Lawrence; Kathy Samp of Mishawaka, Ind.; Faye Roberts of Marshalltown, Iowa; and Kaye Boyer of Decatur; two brothers, James Cox of Benton Harbor and Walter (Karen) Cox of Saginaw, Mich.; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. Johnny also was survived by many loving caretakers, employers, friends, teachers and others who provided him not only with his basic needs through the years, but also made sure his life was filled with happiness, security and love.