Obituary – Cindy McConkey Cox

Cindy McConkey Cox
KNOXVILLE, TN

After a four and a half year battle with cancer, Cindy McConkey Cox, age 58, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018. Her last hours were spent in the arms of her husband of 37 years, Gary Cox. She was born in Knoxville, TN and was the youngest of six children. After attending Powell High School, where she competed in track, basketball, and softball, Cindy graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s in Journalism. Cindy was many things in her life: an athlete, a sportswriter, an adventurer, a communications expert, a mentor, and a friend. Most importantly, she was a wife, a sister, a mother, and a new grandmother. Cindy was grounded by her faith in Jesus, which sustained her throughout her fight with cancer. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret McConkey. She is survived by her husband Gary, daughters Kendall Park and Hannah Jay, her new grandsons Remy Park and Alex Jay, and her five beloved siblings Cathy Morrison, Bob McConkey Jr, Mike McConkey, Doug McConkey, and Nancy Nolen. Cindy loved to be outdoors. She was an avid hiker and tennis player, even as her illness progressed. She could often be found tending to her garden or relaxing by the lake. Those who knew her described her as passionate, determined, and faithful. She spent her last days reminiscing with her family and playing peek-a-boo with her grandsons.

Cindy took great pride in her career. She was honored at the YWCA Tribute to women in 2015 and was named one of CableFAX Most Powerful Women in Cable four years running. During her tenure as SVP of Communications at Scripps Networks, she was named National Association of Professional Women’s Woman of the Year. She was a Princeton Premier Business Leader & Professional and received the PRSA Sports Editors National Investigative Journalism award. Most recently, she served as COO and CMO of Random Acts of Flowers. She was a mentor to many and her loss will be felt deeply by all who worked with her. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 3 at Fellowship Church at 8000 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37909. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Random Acts of Flowers at 3500 Workman Rd #101a, Knoxville, TN 37921. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865) 6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.

Published in Knoxville News Sentinel from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, 2018

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