“The end of an institution” is the way her former pastor put it as he gave the eulogy at Shirley Cox’s funeral on May 31 at Holy Comforter Church in Charlottesville. Mrs. Cox died on May 29 at the age of 93.

Many others had their own way of describing how “Shirley” had deeply influenced the community and their own personal lives. She was a true leader who didn’t need titles or offices, a mentor to many. “The older she got, the harder it was to say no to her” said VSHL district coordinator, Jayne Clowater, when describing Shirley’s strong influence in the work of Virginia Society for Human Life.

Shirley was a member of VSHL for more than 30 years, chaired its Charlottesville chapter for 12 years, and served on the VSHL board of directors. Years before starting the local VSHL chapter, Shirley and her husband Dick founded and headed Birthright of Charlottesville, a pro-life pregnancy service. In 1990, VSHL named her Pro-Life Virginian of the Year.

While the right-to-life cause was her primary focus over the past 30 years, Shirley had many other interests and causes to shepherd. At the request of her pastor years ago, she helped set up the first downtown soup kitchen in the church basement where daily lunch is still served to the hungry. She also supported a special ministry for the homeless run by one of her sons. In 1997, the Charlottesville Daily Progress chose her as one of a “distinguished dozen” who has a made a difference in Central Virginia.

Shirley was devoted to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the multitude of friends and colleagues in the pro-life movement. Up until she became disabled two years ago from a near-fatal accident, Shirley was still on the go with trips to the March for Life in Washington, as well as to the 2000 National Right to Life Convention and its congressional reception on Capitol Hill. She especially looked forward to NRLC’s annual awards dinner in New York City.

She was a humble woman filled with the many qualities that inspired others to do good. The world will miss you, Shirley.

Published in VSHL Lifesaver, June 2002