Mrs. Ida Belle Penn Cox

November 24, 1918 - July 2, 2020

Ida Belle Penn-Cox, daughter of the late Vester Penn and Laura Finney, and stepdaughter of Minnie Hughes Penn, was born Sunday, November 24, 1918, in Mt. Airy, NC. She was educated in a one-room school in Surry County, North Carolina. Ida was an exceptional homemaker and a dedicated childcare provider to both family and friends. She also served as a caregiver for her sister-in-law, Cathleen Cox Robinson, for 15 years. Ida loved to crochet and made afghans for her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She was also an excellent quilter and pillow maker. She baked delicious pound cakes, pies, cookies, homemade rolls and biscuits that were enjoyed by her family and friends. She was a faithful member of The First Baptist Church of Steelton for over 75 years where she served on the Ladies’ Auxiliary to the Trustee Board. At the age of 101, Ida transitioned into eternal life on Thursday, July 2, 2020, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Payne Nathaniel Cox Sr.; her parents and stepmother; her siblings, Delia, Dovie, Cossie, Foy, Troy, Chester, Versie, Gertrude, Lillie and Lou Ada. Coming from a blended family her step-siblings were Haley Anne, Lillian, Betty, Jim, Walter, Alice, Edith, Ruthie, Zachariah, Hezekiah, Sam Hoston, Ethel and Buster. She leaves to celebrate her life and carry on her legacy her four children, Etheleen Tunson, Louvenia Dovie Banks (Joseph), Payne Nathaniel Cox Jr. (Christine) and Deborah Cox. Loving memories will also be cherished by her nine grandchildren, Deitre Lynne Johnson (Raymond), Gregg F. Cox (Margo), Natrina Denise Cox, James Brickus Sr. (Amanda), Alan Tunson, Michael Tunson (Marsha), Joanne J. Banks (Michael), Wayne McNeil, Alicia Miller (Jay); her ten great-grandchildren, Trey Cox, Shayla Cox, James Brickus Jr., Bryson Payne Brickus, Khaden Tunson, Tesahe Tunson, Dahlia Edwards, Alana Edwards, Adrienne Edwards and Jayla Miller; as well as a host of loving relatives and friends. Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to her church, The First Baptist Church of Steelton, 1850 S. 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104. ON-LINE STREAMING OF SERVICE. CLICK ON THE PHOTOS & VIDEOS TAB OR MEDIA TAB (MOBILE) TO VIEW. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY YOUR NAME ALLOWING THE FAMILY TO KNOW YOU ARE THINKING OF THEM.