Annie Mary (Cox) Anthony

Annie Mary Cox Garfield Anthony was born on January 12,1949 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late James “Jim” Cox and Mary Jones Cox. Born into a large family with 7 sisters and 3 brothers, family became a major priority for Annie that she carried throughout her life. Annie accepted Christ into her life at a young age, and ever since then he has ordered her steps. Educated in the Birmingham City School System, she attended Butler School, Oliver School, and the Historic Carol W. Hayes High School. Annie furthered her education at the University of Akron, where she studied business. She went on to work in the banking industry until she retired from SouthTrust in 2007. Annie married Theophilisie Garfield, Sr. until his untimely death December 29th, 1979. Out of this union, she gave birth to her daughter Kimberly Dionne Garfield on July 15th, 1966, and her son Theophilisie Garfield, Jr. on July 7th, 1967. On January 12th, 1996, Annie received one of the best birthdays presents of her life. She married her beloved husband Johnny Lee Anthony Jr. Together they blended their families and created a beautiful legacy. They provided constant love and support to each other’s children and cherished each relationship that developed from their union. They also adored their grandchildren, giving them amazing memories and valuable wisdom that they will carry into adulthood. Annie was a member of Healing Spring Baptist Church for 43 years under the leadership of Reverend Adam McCray. She was an active worshiper and held multiple positions including President of the choir, church secretary, member of the Women’s Day committee, and so on. Annie’s services did not stop within the walls of the church. She delivered meals to people in need, regularly attended Tarrant City Council meetings, volunteered at The Shepherd Center, Irondale Senior Community Center, Ensley Community Center, and wherever she could lend a helping hand. Throughout her life, Annie has touched many lives. As an educator in the Tarrant School System, she loved her students, and they loved her back. Annie always made sure everyone around her knew that they were loved. She always sent a card for every occasion, no matter how major or minor. If she knew your birthday, Annie would call into the radio station to have them announce it. This earned her the name “Mrs. Ann from Birthday Land”. She always delivered a sweet potato pie if she felt you needed a little extra love. Annie’s legacy is one that will live on through those that were blessed enough to meet her. She was preceded in death by parents James “Jim” Cox and Mary Jones Cox, sisters Lucinda Cox Lanier and Patricia Lewis, and brothers Charles Lewis and Willie James Cox, Sr. She leaves to cherish her loving memory, devoted husband, Johnny Lee Anthony, Jr., children, Dr. Kimberly “Dr. K” Dionne Garfield-Kelly of Birmingham, AL, Theophilisie Garfield, Jr. of San Diego, CA, Jaun Anthony, Johnny Lee Anthony III and Ja’net Lashan Anthony of Birmingham, AL, brother, Napoleon Lewis of Garfield Heights, OH; sisters, Ruby Pearl Cox Posey of Jersey City, NJ, Bessie Mae Cox Postell (Eddie) of Bayonne, NJ, Patricia Cox Robinson Buchanan of Birmingham, AL, and Katrina Cox Wiggins (Thomas) of Virginia Beach, VA; In-laws Elizabeth Garfield, Rev. Daniel Garfield of Detroit, MI; Tommy Anthony, Johnnie Dansby (Samuel), and Dwight Garfield all of Birmingham, AL; grandkids, Jamel, Theophilise III, Gary Jr, Robert IV, Octavian, Gariel, Evan, Amyah, and Wyanet; great grandkids Lucas, Amelia, Amelyih; Godparents Ed and Julia Winston; Godbrother Jesse Green(Faye); God grandchildren, Toya Williams and Gabrielle Buggs and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

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