Patricia L. (Harness) Cox, 80, passed away enveloped in love on January 17, 2024, in Washington, DC. She was born in Columbus, Mississippi on November 10, 1943, to Oda Otto Harness Jr. (Junior) and Reba L. Harness. Pat graduated from Frederick High School in 1962.

Pat met the love of her life, her best friend and husband Russell Cox, on the dance floor in 1978. She was able to overlook Russell’s flailing and lack of rhythm to embark on over 40 years of adventures with him. Together they traveled the world by planes, trains, automobiles, and tuk tuk. They explored World Heritage sites, souks, and local farmers markets with the same enthusiasm and curiosity. Pat even took German language lessons while she and Russell were living in Dusseldorf, much to the amusement of the local butcher.

Pat knew every high scoring two-letter Scrabble word, never met a plate of foie gras she couldn’t devour, and never passed up an opportunity to lift a glass in celebration or to remind her children that they were “reared,” not “raised” like backyard chickens.

Pat is survived by four children (Connie Cox, Ian Cox, Melissa Cox, and Melinda Vest), seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Russell, her parents Junior and Reba, her brother Terry, her son Jason, and her grandson Hunter.