Lynn H. Cox

Lynn H. Cox, a nationally acclaimed journalist, of Willoughby, passed away on Sept. 9, 2015, at The Cleveland Clinic. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on Aug. 23, 1931, to the late Col. Byron E. and Caroline nee Keating Hargrove. Lynn grew up as an Army Brat, traveling extensively throughout the United States and living overseas on Guam, in the Philippines, and in Japan. Her travels afforded her a wealth of opportunities; meeting and establishing connections with people from around the world. She attended school in quonset huts as a young girl and was asked to teach her Guamanian friends when her teachers were away from the classroom. She earned an immense amount of respect amongst her peers and they honored her in a Guamanian ceremony where she was crowned Queen of Guam at the age of sixteen. After attending four high schools, overseas, Lynn returned to the United States during the last three months of her senior year, where she graduated Salutatorian of Pike High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Having begun training for opera as a teenager, Lynn developed a beautiful voice that was heard around the world. Her desire to be a journalist, however, came to the forefront, and she studied at The University of Missouri School of Journalism, in Columbia, specializing in news reporting, editing, broadcasting, and publishing. Her journalistic "voice" through the years touched many lives; from her interviews with Francis Payne Bolten to Dorothy Fuldheim, locally, to in-depth reporting nationwide. Lynn began her career with The Sun Newspaper as a news reporter for The Leader Journal. Her talents soon thereafter earned her the position of Editor. She was quickly recognized for her fair and unbiased reporting and her intense interest in the lives of those whom she interviewed. She was honored with many commendations and proclamations at city hall meetings in Lake County for her exceptional work. Lynn continued her career as a corporate journalist for Alltel. Later, she became a corporate journalist for Picker International, where, once again, she traveled the globe. Her journey was enriched by the vast array of people who became life-long friends. The final path of Lynn's career took her to Lakeland College where she became the Publications Manager. Her work, at that time, was recognized as among the best in its field in the entire nation. The National Council of Marketing and Public Relations, an affiliate of The American Association of Community Colleges, presented Lynn with the Council's Paragon Award, for the best college publications in the nation. Lakeland honored her with The Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the college. Amidst her time consuming career, Lynn was active in both local and national organizations including The Lake County Professional Communicators, Lake County Community Services Council Board of Directors supporting the Hunger Bank, Vice Regent of The Daughters of The American Revolution, and The Greater Cleveland Pi Beta Phi Alumni Club. As a member of Lake Shore Christian Church, she served as Chairperson of the Women's Fellowship, taught Sunday School and Bible School, and served as a Deaconess. She was a soloist for many churches on special occasions and thoroughly enjoyed sharing her special gifts. Lynn was known by many as ''the lady with the smile" and she welcomed an abundance of friends into her home; bringing strangers together, and cherishing each and every one of them. Having traveled the world, her favorite destination was Ireland to see her relatives. "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Well done." Lynn is survived by her three children; Brenda L. Steinmetz, Gerald L. Peggy Cox, Cynthia A. Cox, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She leaves behind many dear friends and her soul mate, Dr. A. Ralph Kristeller. She is preceded in death by her parents. There will be a private burial held at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chesterland. A Memorial Service will follow at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Monreal Funeral Home. Contributions may be made in her name to The Cleveland Metropolitan Park North Chagrin Reservation, The University of Missouri School of Journalism Scholarship Foundation, and the Lakeland Foundation.

Lynn H. Cox

August 23, 1931 - September 9, 2015

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