VERNELLE GRAVES COX A graveside service for Vernelle Graves Cox was held Feb. 25 at Fern Park Cemetery in Natchitoches with Rev. Dennis Bjornberg officiating. The family received friends Feb. 24 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Cox, 91 of Natchitoches, passed away Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 in Shreveport. She was born Nov. 17, 1924 to Thomas and Elizabeth (Hoob) Graves in Montgomery. Vernelle retired from Northwestern State University after 30 years of service. She loved to garden and especially loved to grow roses. While living in Natchitoches, she attended Oak Grove Methodist Church. A sweet and loving lady, she was well respected by everyone who knew her and she will be missed by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Cox; son, Carl Lee Cox; eight siblings and her parents. She is survived by her nieces and nephews and a large extended family and many friends. Vernelle was a resident of The Oaks Retirement Community in Shreveport and the family would like to give their sincere appreciation to the staff in the North Pavilion for the care of Vernelle over the last three years of her life.