Cynthia Delaine Cox McCraw

Cynthia Delaine (Cox) McCraw was born on August 31, 1959, to Hattie Mae (Collins) Cox and James Elijah Cox at Baptist Hospital of Jackson, MS. Going by her middle name she would introduce herself as “Walking Down De-laine.”

During her childhood years they lived at 307 Ellis Avenue in close proximity to grandparents and family members. Delaine graduated high school in 1977 at Magnolia Academy. With and accounting degree from Mississippi University for Women, she began working for Associates where she traced and repossessed semi trucks and trailers. After a transfer to their Chicago office Delaine returned to Mississippi and worked for MMI before she became a dealer as well as other positions, including pit boss, at the Isle of Capri Casino in Vicksburg, MS. In 2004 Delaine moved to Sevierville, TN with her mother. In a tourist setting they both were employed at the Christmas Palace in Pigeon Forge, TN. Also, Apple Barn was another employer where she served many meals, that included their signature Apple Fritters. Later she helped set up new Lowes stores in several states. Finally, she began a career in the accounting department at the corporate office of Pilot/Flying J in Knoxville, TN. She retired in October, 2023, completing her 15 year anniversary. Health issues caused her death on November 7, 2025.

Delaine was preceded in death by her mom and dad and her daughter Callie Michele McCraw. Having lost Callie in 1998 at age 16, life took a unique change as Delaine and family chose to donate through MORA all that was left of her baby girl, which kept others alive. She became especially close to heart recipient Fred Hardwick, his dear wife Joy as well as their son Sam. In 2021 Delaine said goodbye to Fred who had 23 more years with his family. The story overlapped with the need for Delaine to receive a new heart from a young man whose life was lost on November 30, 2018. Mark’s mother reached out Christmas of 2024 to give more information of her son.

Delaine is survived by her daughter Angela Lollis, brother James Michael Cox (Beth), sister Martha Patricia Cox Knight, niece Cathy Bartholomay (Jon), nephews Eddie Knight (Kristina), Joshua Cox and Joseph Cox, great-nephews Ty Cox, Jonas Bartholomay, Tobin Bartholomay, and Eliot Knight, great-nieces Serenity Bartholomay, Callie Bartholomay and Annika Knight, and multiple cousins.

Thank God for all of our years together.  Her prayers were totally heart felt.  The family and friends with to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at University of Mississippi Medical Center, Saint Thomas of Nashville, TN, University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN and Fort Sanders of Knoxville, TN.  Due to their care and several Rehabs where Delaine grew stronger after her stays as well as surgeries, she continued to give back to us in more ways than we even know.  One of her sayings that encouraged us was - PLH, PEACE, LOVE AND HAPPINESS. It's how Callie signed her notes to her Momma.

A graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Utica Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Glenwood Funeral Home.

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