Joan Leslie Conner Cox went to be with the Lord on November 25, 2012 because of complications of diabetes. She was born November 5, 1946, to George Wesley Conner and Mollie Beatrice Ray Conner. She grew up in Monett and was active in Girl Scouts. After graduation from high school, Joan attended the School of the Ozarks, MO Southern and Drury College. Teaching became her life interest and she always was drawn to the students and tried to help them learn. Joan was preceded in death by her mother, father, and grandparents. She is survived by her husband, David E. Cox; one brother, Danny R. Connor and wife, Charlotte, of Monett; one sister, Jane C. Williams, and husband, Joe of Springfield; two children, Robert R. Cox and Tammy L. Scales, and husband Brent; four grandchildren, Crystal Cox of Springfield, Kaylee, Caleb and Joshua Scales of Oklahoma City and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Special friends include her volleyball group Joan belonged to for many years. Joan attended Covenant Presbyterian Church. Her final wish was for all her family to go to Heaven. A celebration of her life will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home at 10 a.m. on Wednesday with Rev. Ward Rudolph officiating. A time for visiting will be 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Private burial will be in Monett, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Southside Senior Center.