Mary Frances "Molly" Pisarich Cox

Molly P. Cox passed away peacefully on March 19, 2016, at her home. She was born on June 14, 1951, in Biloxi, Mississippi, to Francis and Mary Pisarich and remained a lifelong resident of that city. She was educated in Biloxi Public Schools and also studied ballet in Russia. For many years Molly was a dance instructor at her own studio and continued to share her love of dance both as a performer and as a choreographer for many musical productions along the coast. Her other talents included acting, and she performed in numerous community theatre productions, primarily at Biloxi Little Theatre and Center Stage Theatre. In 2008, she received BLT’s Bravo Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance as Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Molly also looked forward each year to portraying various well-known Biloxians during the city’s annual cemetery tours, and her study of and preparation for these roles was always evident. An avid traveler, Molly would no sooner return from one trip before she began planning her next cruise or excursion. She never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. For the past twelve years, Molly was employed at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center for Children where the children and her co-workers will always remember her for her bubbly personality and the outlandish hats and jewelry she wore for various holidays. She also enjoyed volunteering as secretary of Biloxi Little Theatre’s Board of Directors and as a member of the Our Lady of Fatima Church choir. Molly was preceded in death by her father, Francis Pisarich. She is survived by her husband, Frank W. Cox; mother, Mary Pisarich; brother, Stephen F. Pisarich; children, Stefanie F. Walley (John) of Round Rock, TX, Teddy A. Johnson (Ashley) of Mobile, AL, Kristen A. Balius (Don) of Biloxi, MS, and Beth Cox (Jon Stephens) of Boston, MA; and grandchildren, Gavin Bourgeois, Olivia Johnson, Owen Johnson and Bella Balius. Molly is also survived by her father and mother-in-law, Frank and Walterine (Wally) Cox; brothers and sisters-in law, Candy Wheeler (David), Holly Cox, Juan Cox (Nona), Michael Cox (Silvana); and her many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to two organizations dear to Molly’s heart: Biloxi Little Theatre, 220 Lee St., Biloxi, MS 39530 and Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport, MS 39507 Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.