Jessie "Bernice" Cox Boadway

Jessie “Bernice” Cox Boadway, age 76, of Norman, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

She was born on July 3, 1944, in Miami, Arizona, the daughter of James Calvin “J. C.” Cox and Iva Jackson Cox. On December 9, 1962, she was married to Rev. Edward “Eddie” Charles Boadway, who preceded her in death on February 4, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her son, Edward “Eddie” Keith Boadway; her granddaughter, Cathryn Marie White Boadway; her parents; her son-in-law, Steven Lee Carmack; her brother, Billy Cox; and her sister, June Clubb.

She was a dedicated preacher’s wife for many years, serving alongside her husband in the Church of God General Conference and was a member of the Prairie Grove Church of God. She was employed for many years with Mount Ida Footwear and later worked for several years at the Walmart in Mena. Over the years, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, cross-stitching, quilting, various craft projects and solving word-search puzzles. Bernice will forever be remembered for her famous and delicious cinnamon rolls, that many begged her and would even “pay” her to make for their special occasions. She also made fantastic chocolate gravy and chicken and dumplings, that her family and friends could never resist. Bernice loved her family, and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Sherry Boadway of Rison; three daughters, Shari Carmack of Oden, Tamela Boadway of Arkadelphia and Serena Boadway of Norman; her daughter-in-law, Tina Boadway of Bonnerdale; ten grandchildren, Justin Mattox, Christie Mattox, Eddie Boadway, Jr., Eric Boadway, Justin Carmack, Megan McCormick, Brad Holt, Cruz Flores, Stacei Smith and Chris Boadway; three great-grandchildren, Presley Goings, Kynlee McCormick and Greyson McCormick; her brother and sister-in-law, James “Jimmy” and Mary Cox of Mount Ida; her sister, Dorothy Elder of Sims; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

A graveside celebration of Bernice's life will be held by the family at 2:00 PM, Sunday, May 2, 2021, in the Reed Cemetery.

Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, Glenwood.

Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.