Jennifer Cox, 57, of Spencer, WV passed away, June 27, 2026. She was a beloved nurse practitioner, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, service, and excellence that touched countless lives throughout West Virginia and beyond.
Born on April 8, 1969, she was the daughter of Donald and Patricia McCray Stevens.
A 1987 graduate of Walton High School, Jennifer distinguished herself early as the class Valedictorian, demonstrating the dedication and determination that would characterize her entire life. Her passion for nursing led her to earn an associate degree in nursing from WVU Parkersburg, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and a Master’s Degree in Nursing from Marshall University.
Jennifer devoted her professional life to caring for others. She initially served as a cardiac intensive care nurse at CAMC Memorial Hospital, and later became a Nurse Practitioner, first serving the community of Cabin Creek and then Roane County. Jennifer was a trusted healthcare provider, advocate, and friend to multiple generations of patients. She was also instrumental in securing the location and funding to bring the Walton Medical Center to her hometown.
Jennifer traveled internationally on medical missions, making two trips to Nigeria and one to Russia. She also served as an ambassador for the International 4-H Youth Exchange Program, residing in Switzerland for six months and traveling throughout Europe.
Jennifer was deeply involved in youth leadership and education. She served as a 4-H volunteer for three decades and was instrumental in mentoring young people through the Junior Leaders program. She also served at the state level as a camp nurse for several state events, including Music and Dance Weekend and the Older Members Conference.
Jennifer was crowned Black Walnut Queen in 1986 and remained a devoted ambassador for her community throughout her life. An accomplished dancer, she participated in Scottish, Irish and Morris dancing and traveled throughout the British Isles to perform. She coordinated the dancing in the Great Hall during the Vandalia Festival on Memorial Day weekend for many years.
Jennifer is survived by her mother, Patricia McCray Stevens, three daughters, Madeline Mae Cox of Morgantown; Gwendolyn Grace Cox of Huntington; and Joscelyn Jane Cox of Walton. Sisters, Deanne Miller of Harmony and Pamela Stevens of Spencer, and brother Michael (Cara) Stevens of Ravenswood. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Stevens; and her grandparents, Orville Lester Stevens, Mollie Thelma Jenkins Stevens, Ezra Russell McCray and Jennie Mae Grandall McCray.
A Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 30, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Ferrell Cemetery, with Pastor Kevin Jennings officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roane County 4-H Foundation at:
Roane County Extension Office110 Parking Plaza
Spencer, WV 25276
Jennifer’s legacy of compassion, service, and dedication to others will continue to live on in the many lives she touched throughout the community
