Linda Cox
Brighton | Save
Linda Elaine Cox, 73, of Brighton, IL passed away on September 9, 2025, at Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur, MO surrounded by her family after a three year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on January 11, 1952, in Alton, IL to the late Jack and Shirley (Watts) Taul.
On September 5, 1970, Linda married the love of her life, Gerry Cox at the Church of God in East Alton, IL. He preceded her in death on June 24, 2015.
In addition to her parents and spouse, Linda is preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Eugene Cox and Eline (Davis) Cox. Brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Jeanne Cox and Tom Cox.
Linda is survived by her daughters, Lori (Doug) Wooden of Brighton, IL and Julie (Rob) Stoelzle of O’Fallon, IL. Grandchildren - Nicholas and Allison Wooden, Paige and Scott Stoelzle. Siblings - Gary (LuAnne) Taul of Jerseyville, IL and Deron (Alisha) Taul of Saint Augustine, FL. Brother-in-law Jim (Brenda) Cox of Gillespie, IL, sisters-in-law, Elva Cox of Nixa, MO and Leona Cox of Staunton, IL - as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A devoted daughter, wife, mother, mother-in law, grandmother, sister, niece, aunt, and great aunt. Her greatest joy was her family. She also had many close friendships throughout her life and will be remembered with love for the good times shared.
After many years of being a devoted wife and mother, at the age of 36, she made the decision to further her education. Linda received her bachelors of science in Elementary Education from SIUE in 1992. She began her teaching career at Medora Elementary in 1993. She dedicated 20 years of service to the Southwestern School District.
In her free time, Linda loved being a “Granny” to her four grandchildren. She passed along to her children and grandchildren, her strong spiritual faith, amazing work ethic, positive attitude, and zest for life. Linda had a talent for sewing, cooking, hosting family gatherings, playing cards with the Watts family, and picking out the perfect birthday and Christmas gifts. She had a love for reading and served on the Brighton Memorial Library Board for several years.
Linda fought cancer not just once, but twice. First, non-Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 56. She remained cancer free until her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2022. Linda never let cancer dictate her life. She lived by faith in Jesus and treasured every moment to the fullest and took nothing for granted. She had a positive attitude and grit throughout her cancer journey. We can only hope to live up to the example she set for her family. The family would like to express their gratitude to Toni Lamb, who was an angel on Earth, taking Linda to countless appointments and treatments and being by her side throughout her journey. We would also like to thank Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes Hospital, and Evelyn’s House.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9 am until service at 11 am, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Pastor Sam San will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorial donations may be made to Evelyns’s House of Creve Coeur, MO.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
