Edward Cox
July 28, 1943 – September 26, 2024

Edward Locksley Cox was born on July 28, 1943, on the Caribbean island of Carriacou, Grenada. His parents were Charles Cox and Jane Ambrose Cox. Locksley, the sixth of their ten children, was baptized two weeks after birth in the Anglican Parish of Christ Church, Carriacou. Throughout his life he remained true to his faith.

A studious lad, he was more skilled at the three Rs (reading, writing and arithmetic), than at tying securely the goats and sheep on the small family farm. When one got away, you knew who had tied it. He breezed through primary school with native intelligence and thoughtful mentoring, and at age 11 won a scholarship to attend the Grenada Boys’ Secondary School (GBSS). His move from Carriacou to Grenada to attend school also marked the growing use of his first name, Edward. To his family he was still Locksley; to others, Eddie. This was 1954, the year he lost his mother as a result of the devastation of hurricane Hazel. His mother’s relatives, the Josephs of Calivigny, provided a Grenada home for Locksley and his school-aged siblings. Within another few years his father also passed. But as the old adage goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and this was evident throughout Edward’s early life. There was no absence of familial support and guidance. It was instilled in him to persevere and strive for excellence, and treat all persons with respect. Later, he would similarly be a teacher and mentor to others.

After graduating from GBSS in 1962 with the University of Cambridge Higher School Certificate, Edward joined the faculty at his alma mater while seeking opportunities to pursue higher education. At GBSS he taught English, History and Latin, and for some time was Hostel Master (in charge of the residence where out-of-town students lived). Having received a Canadian Bursary in 1967, he was able to enroll at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, graduating with a baccalaureate in history and economics in 1970. It was at Cave Hill that he met Paula Nanton who would later become his wife of 52 years.

Edward proceeded to Baltimore, Maryland in 1971, having been awarded a Gilman Fellowship to pursue a doctorate in history at The Johns Hopkins University. He received his master’s degree in 1973 and was still completing his dissertation when in 1975, with wife and infant son, Daudi Andre, he moved to Columbia, S.C. He had accepted a faculty appointment as instructor in the history department of the University of South Carolina (USC). Two years later he received his doctorate from The Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Cox spent fourteen years at USC, and during that time he attained the rank of associate professor and served for two years as assistant department chair. In 1984 he was recognized by the Columbia Record newspaper as one of “Ten for the Future,” an annual selection of young men and women who had distinguished themselves and made significant contributions to the community.

His final move was to Rice University, Houston, Texas, from which he retired in 2016 as Associate Professor Emeritus of History, after 27 years of service.

Edward’s research interests were: Caribbean History, Comparative New World Slavery, Post-emancipation Societies, and African-American History. He made significant contributions to scholarship in these fields. He authored a book on the Free Coloreds in the Slave Societies of St. Kitts and Grenada, 1763-1833, and published dozens of articles in historical journals, wrote numerous book reviews and frequently lectured at professional conferences.

He enjoyed research and writing, but teaching was his passion. He challenged his students, empowering them to succeed. At Rice, four times he received the George Brown Award for Excellence in Teaching. Edward was energized when he interacted with students across all disciplines. He was advisor and advocate for the Caribbean students at the University of South Carolina, a group that was not limited to the Caribbean region. On his retirement from Rice, several came to Houston from all over the globe to honor him with a celebration reunion. At Rice he served as faculty sponsor for the Black Student Association for 22 years, and made lasting friendships among that group. Christmas cards still come with photos of their growing families. In his role as founding director of Rice’s Mellon Mays program, he mentored minority students in their pursuit of doctoral degrees.

After retiring from Rice, the Alumni Association in 2018 awarded him the Meritorious Service Award, in recognition of his significant and sustained voluntary contributions towards improving student life and success at the university.

Above all, Edward Cox had a church home wherever he resided. In South Carolina it was St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Columbia, and in Houston, St. James’ Episcopal Church. At both churches he served in various roles, including senior warden. At St. James’ he was active in the ministry to the homeless. From his keepsakes one could tell that he was just as honored to be keynote speaker at the 1985 Graduation Exercises at the Manning Correctional Institution in Columbia, SC, as he was to deliver, in 1996, the 14th Annual Elsa Goveia Memorial Lecture on King Jaja of Opobo’s exile in the Caribbean. The latter event was held at his alma mater, the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados. Post retirement volunteer work at the Manna House/3rd Ward Food Pantry on Blodgett Street brought him much joy and satisfaction. He was genuine, he was humble, he was considerate of others.

Celebrating Edward’s life, though greatly saddened by their loss, are his wife, Paula, son Daudi (Erika), grandsons Amauri and Malik; siblings Myrtle Glen Cox Phillips (Magnus) of Michigan, Venice Theo Cox McIntosh of Canada, Seigert Cox of England, Ronald Cox (Janice) of Florida, Hugh Cox (Rosalind) and Janette Cox Brown (Don) of Michigan, Jane Cox of New Jersey, and George Prime of New York; cousins, including Isaac Cudjoe (Joyce) of England and Carriacou, Anthony Fitz Cudjoe (Stephanie) of Texas, Edmund Joseph of Grenada; several nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives, students and cherished friends. Locksley was predeceased by his parents Charles and Jane Cox, and siblings Agnes Cox Strammiello, Percy Cox, Ermie Cox Thompson and Denmeade Stetson Cox.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the St. James’ Althea P. Gibson Memorial Scholarship in memory of the Dr. Edward L. Cox.