Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@ gmail.com
The Mayo community is mourning alongside the Cox family after the unexpected passing of 8-yearold Jacen Barrett Cox. Jacen, a joyful and loving child known for his “beautiful brown eyes, curly hair and the biggest smile,” passed away on Wednesday, July 9. Born Nov. 21, 2016, in Moultrie, Ga., Jacen was the son of Jonathan Austin Cox and Julie Shaylin Danielle Hurst. He found joy in playing with his trucks, spending time outdoors and, most of all, being with his family.
“Jacen was a bright light in our lives,” the Cox family wrote. “He had a heart full of love, laughter and an infectious smile that touched everyone he met. His passing has left an unfillable void in the hearts of all who knew him.”
As the family grieves this unimaginable loss, friends, neighbors and loved ones have come together to show their support through a GoFundMe aimed at easing the financial burden of medical bills and funeral expenses.
“The family is currently facing not only the overwhelming emotional pain of losing a child but also the financial burdens that come with this kind of unexpected tragedy,” Christina Thomas, organizer of the GoFundMe, wrote on the fundraiser page. “Your donation will go toward covering funeral costs, medical expenses, and providing any support the family needs as they begin to navigate life without their precious son.”
Jacen is survived by his parents, Jonathan Austin Cox and Julie Shaylin Danielle Hurst; his siblings, Wrenley Cox, Asher Johnson, Kyson Johnson, Kaisen Johnson, Mikala Cox and Delany Latimer; grandparents, Jonathan and Toni Cox, Angel and Paul Moore, and Jerry Fisher; great-grandparents, Charlotte Land, Diane McDaniel, Calvin Bullard, Jane Sinclair, Sharon Hurst and Arline Lundilius; great-great-grandmother, Ann Grier; stepmother, Harlie Smith; stepfather, Dalton Johnson; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who adored him.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bobby Land, J.C. Cox, Buddy Hurst, Sr., and his uncle, Caleb Jarosh.
To support the family, visit gofundme.com and search "Help the Cox family through this tragic loss."