Gloria Watts-Cox
September 10, 1950 – February 1, 2002

Gloria Jean Watts-Cox was the first born of four children to Pastor James Watts and Mrs. Encie Bell Watts. She was baptized at New Nazareth Baptist Church in Deatsville, Alabama. She graduated from Georgia Washington Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama. At Alabama State University, she was inducted into the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

After moving to Atlanta, Georgia, Gloria Married Lee Howard Cox in 1975, As members of the Enon Baptist Church of College Park, Georgia, Gloria organized the first Deaconess and Minister’s Wives Ministry, the first Vacation Bible School, many culinary events, directed youth dramatic productions at Easter and Christmas, coordinated Enon’s first Praise Team Ministry and graciously assisted wherever there was a need. Her melodious voice could be heard resonating throughout the congregation; her leadership and organizational skills were recognized by all, and her dedication, passion, insight and humor will live at Enon forever.

Gloria organized the Southwest Atlanta Community Choir (SWACC) that ministers locally and throughout the Southeast.

Her love of children was expressed through her work at Christ Lutheran School, with Enon’s Sunday School and The Rainbow School, which was founded by Gloria.

Gloria’s problems with lymphedema began shortly after she and Lee were married. Thinking she was simply putting on weight, she attempted several diets with no results. She kept active, climbing Stone Mountain, bike riding, traveling, but suddenly she had female problems, eventually surgery, pneumonia, lung, kidney and bladder problems followed. When she received an injection in her left foot, it swelled and never returned to normal. In the early 90s, as her swelling increased so did the lung and bladder problems, along with severe bouts of cellulitis. She was seen by a number of doctors, but her diagnosis of primary lymphedema was made too late to reverse the progression and damage to her internal organs. At least, there was finally a reason for her weight gain.

During 2001, Gloria was practically bed-ridden. The lymphedema had taken its toll. On January 25, 2002, she knew when she left her home that she would not be returning. Gloria died one week later.

She always appreciated receiving the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network newsletter although her health would not permit her attending any meetings. One of her wishes was to give back to the lymphedema community.

A portion of the proceeds from the annual Gloria Watts-Cox Walk/Run for Lymphedema benefits the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network.