Mr. Clifton Cox

Clifton Jerome Cox, affectionately known as “Rome”, “Jerome” and “Cliff”, was called home on Saturday, December 14, 2013. Clifton was the oldest of four sons, born in Baltimore to the late Clifton L. Cox and the late Lucille Edges, on March 26, 1948. He was baptized at St. Philips Church in Baltimore. He attended Baltimore City Public School and graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in 1966. He graduated from Morgan State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. Clifton married Rachel Jones in 1970. From this union they had two daughters. In 1987, he married Bertha Burgess and from this union, they had one son. Clifton was a father to many. Clifton served in the US Army Reserves from 1971-77 and received an honorable discharge. He was employed for 35 years at WBAL-TV Baltimore and retired as a Supervisor of the Floor Department. He was the first African-American supervisor of a Floor Department for a major TV station. Clifton enjoyed cooking, traveling, camping, nature, riding his motorcycle, fishing, attending concerts and car shows. His signature family event each summer was hosting a cookout for family and friends. Clifton enjoyed being around people and was active in many community organizations including the National Association of Black Journalists, the Baltimore Cable Access Corporation (Board Member); Association of Black Media Workers; and the Howard County Center of African American Culture Inc. He also served as a mentor for “Project Praise” (Morgan State University); as a Big Brother for Big Brothers/Big Sisters; as a member of Earth Wheels and Fire (motorcycle club); and as a Boy and Cub Scout Master. For the Boy Scouts, he received the Pro Et Patria Medal, the highest religious medal in Scouting. Clifton was very active in his church. He often visited the sick and shut-in Sundays after service and gave communion. He was a Board and Choir member at St. Philips Lutheran Church in Baltimore; chaired the Learning Ministry Committee and started the Elders Award to be given out on Laity Sunday. He also served as a Board member for the Lutheran Regional Synod and was a member of the Lutheran Men in Mission. He leaves to cherish his memory: His wife Bertha Cox; two daughters, Nathalie Pender of Dillon, SC and Valerie Marks (Michael) of Timonium, MD; one son Gregory Cox; seven siblings, Earlene (Curtis) Washington, Ronald Cox, Thurman Cox, Norman (Wanda) Cox, Donnie Brown, Terita Richardson-Boyd (Gary) and Stephanie Whitehurst; two sister in laws, Star Regina Burgess and Margaret Burgess (Kevin Hill); six aunts Essie Mae Stancil, Jean Scott, Ophelia Payton, Luridell Lee, and Theresa Johnson; six grandchildren, Michael (Brandy) Hudgins, Kiona Hudgins, Shardaye Pender, Nathaniel Pender, Ronald Marks and Quentin Pender; six great grandchildren; one God daughter Tesa Cook-Anderson; two special friends Mary Dowling and Glen Trusty; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mr. Clifton Cox

March 26, 1948 - December 14, 2013