Mary Francelinor Bragg Cox peacefully departed this life on Sunday morning, March 29, 2026, at the nursing home where she was living. Mary was the third child of Mary Robinson and John Steven Bragg, Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Agnes; five brothers, Earl, William, Daniel, Emmett, and John Jr. Mary grew up in the Fifth Ward of Petersburg before going to Pocahontas Island after graduating from Peabody High School.

On December 22, 1956, she married Percy Ellis Cox. They later adopted a son and named him Darryl Ellis Cox. She and Percy were married 57 years before he went to be with the Lord on October 28, 2013. Their son went to be with the Lord on September 25, 2005. Mary attended Peabody High School and graduated in 1942. Her dream was to become a Registered Nurse. She attended the Mercy School of Nursing in Philadelphia to achieve that desire. She returned home from Philadelphia and stayed a short while before moving onto Washington, DC. While there she worked at several hospitals including the Gallinger Municipal Hospital, of Washington, DC.

Mary returned to Petersburg where she married Percy Cox and worked at Southside Regional Hospital. Mary also worked at Virginia State College Medical Facility and following her retirement, she worked part-time at Honeywell Chemical Plant in Chester, VA. Mary's parents made sure she was a child of Jesus Christ. She attended St. Stephen's Church in Petersburg. She also attended a church in Philadelphia while there, as well as Calvary Episcopal Church in Washington, DC.

Mary was very active at St. Stephen's by serving on committees, assisting with many church ministries and working in the office.  When Reverend Jerome Burns introduced the 'Daughters of the King' Women's organization to St. Stephen's, Mary became a member and was soon voted as its president.

Mary leaves to cherish memories with her to sisters, Carolene Brewer of Maryland and R.J. Bragg of Petersburg; nephews, Andre Williams, John "Steve" Bragg III, William "Chuckie" Bragg, Jr., James Emmett "Jay" Bragg, Jr., and Darrell Mial; nieces, Teahné Baskerville (Michael), Yvette Bragg, Wanda Donnell and Wynona Hardy; cousins, VJ Bragg IV (Tianna), Jennifer Jones (Jeffery); friends, Eleanor Meade, Lillie Rowlett, Diana Tucker, and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Whereas her family members and friends were waiting to celebrate her 101st birthday on March 30, 2026, God wanted Mary to enjoy her birthday in heaven with family and friends there.

Services will be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 228 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, Bishop John Harmon, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or clock here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5877768?fl=so&fe=fs