Ordinance Officer Kathy Ann Cox

When I was a kid Kathy was my Juvenile Probation Officer. I spent my teen years in and out of YDC and boot camp, and pretty much the entirety of my adolescence on probation. She saved my tail a few times, and she kicked my tail a few times. One time I was being kept in the courthouse holding cell in transit to YDC and she brought me a plate of food from the corner cafe. After getting the food I carded the door and escaped through the empty courtroom, and out the back door of the courthouse. I called the courthouse that night because I was worried about the consequences of running. When I called the courthouse (before cell phones) she was still at the office, and she picked up the phone on the first ring. Looking back I suspect that she was still there because she was worried about me, and she was hoping I would come to my senses. She was tough but I never doubted whether or not she cared about me. She was truly one of the most impactful sources of grace in my life during a very difficult and isolating season! Kathy was a wonderful blessing to this world and I think about her often and pray for her family regularly! Rest well sister!

Rev. Zack Townsend, MSW, MDiv
United Methodist Church

January 7, 2021