Loretta Vaughan Cox, 66, of Many, Louisiana, beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend passed away on April 29, 2006 after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her husband, James Ronald Cox of Many, LA, two sons, James Edward Cox of Ardmore, OK and Ronald Patrick Cox of Van Vleck; one daughter and son-in-law Lora Cox Thompson & Dickie of Markham; three granddaughters Brittany Jade Cox, Heather Elaine Cox & Tyler Marie Cox; two grandsons Heath Thompson & Cody Thompson; two great grandchildren Kennedy & Reagan Thompson of Van Vleck; brother and sister-in-law D. B. & Janice Vaughan of Amarillo; & sister Patricia Vaughan Solomon of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents John Dewey & Lucy Lora Thomas Vaughan and a brother John Henry Vaughan.

Loretta was born in Hurricane Creek, Florida on January 30, 1940 and later moved with her husband to Van Vleck. In May of 1977 she graduated from the University of Houston in Victoria with a degree in Elementary Education. In September of 1977, Loretta began her teaching career at Van Vleck ISD and remained there until her retirement in May 1998. She coached the girls Junior Varsity Basketball team in 1980. She was an exceptional and dedicated science teacher. She never missed an opportunity to participate in workshops offered in our area to help children that loved science as much as she did. The Matagorda County Soil and Conservation District awarded Loretta Teacher of the Year. That same year the Area 3 Soil Conservation Districts awarded her the runner-up Teacher of the Year.

David Durham, former principal of E. Rudd Intermediate and former superintendent of Van Vleck ISD, had this to say about Loretta, "While you have found a home, you have evolved into a shining star for Van Vleck Intermediate School. And, the best is yet to come!"

Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Bay City with Rev. Chester Sassman and Billy Christmas officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Lance O'Neill, Michael Grisham, John Ashcraft, Kenneth Vaughan, Bryan Vaughan & Marvin Christmas. Honorary pallbearers include Bill Smith, Joe Downs, David Mitchell, Gordon McHardy, Donnie Clark, Scott Fuller, Luby Christmas and all of the children she touched. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Van Vleck ISD 302 4th St., Van Vleck, TX 77482. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.