Mary Agnes Wilcox, 73

Mary Agnes Wilcox, 73, of Las Cruces, passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2024 in the city she loved.

Mary was born July 3, 1950 to Merlin (PeeWee) and Emma (Sis) Warnke in Boonville, MO and moved to Las Cruces, NM as a child. Born to an athletically inclined family, she was a gymnast, a dancer, and a cheerleader. She loved her high school years and developed many lifelong friendships there before her graduation in 1968. Cheering for Las Cruces High School was one of her favorite memories.

She went on to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force where she traveled and met her husband in Kansas City, MO. She married Jeffrey Wilcox on August 15, 1970, and after some adventures they decided to start a family, and she was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in Zweibrucken, Germany.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Worcester College in MA, she enjoyed teaching second grade for more than twenty years. She is remembered as a dedicated teacher who brought light and love to her students.

Mary was sunshine and light – always ready to comfort with a hug, a meal, or offer a safe place to stay for anyone who needed it. Her home was open to everyone and she was “mother” to many.

She was a loyal friend, wife and confidant.

Mary was predeceased by her father, Merlin Warnke; her mother, Emma Warnke; her sister, Michele Self; and her niece, Dina Burgess.

She is survived by her husband Jeffrey Wilcox; children, Sandra Moulton; Brian Wilcox; grandchildren Riley Moulton, Xander Moulton, Kieran Mackay, and Maximillian Wilcox; brother, Merlin (Buddy) Warnke Jr; sister, Elizabeth Burgess; nephews Brad Burgess and Jesse Wilcox; nieces Kiki Warnke and Carissa Wilcox; and extended nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary, We want to thank you for the sunshine you brought into our lives.

Services will be held at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E Bowman Ave. on April 26th at 2:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at the family home.