Louise Marie Wilcoxon

Our beloved mother, Louise M. Wilcoxon, passed away on May 28, 2025, following a prolonged battle with dementia. She was cherished and loved deeply throughout her life, and that love remains with us today and always.

Born on January 7, 1928, Louise was the only child of Glen and Grace Goehring. She grew up in Rochester, Pennsylvania, surrounded by love and strong values—principles she carried throughout her life. After graduating high school, she attended Muskingum College, where she met and fell in love with Bill Wilcoxon. The two married and eventually made their home in Columbus, Ohio.

A devoted mother to four children—three daughters and one son—Louise’s industrious spirit and creativity shone through every aspect of her life. While managing a bustling household, she also sold Avon, sewed clothes for her daughters, canned vegetables from the family garden, and even earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She followed in her mother’s footsteps as a master gardener, a passion she nurtured throughout her life. Guided by their strong faith, Louise and Bill ensured their family was actively involved in their local church, where they found joy in community and formed close, lasting friendships.

In time, Louise expanded her nurturing spirit beyond the home. When her youngest child, Bill Jr., started elementary school, she began her teaching career. She made a lasting impact in education, most notably by establishing the first elementary gifted education program in Reynoldsburg City Schools.

During retirement, Louise continued to give of herself generously. She volunteered her time and talents to her church and several charitable organizations—always eager to help others and support causes close to her heart.

Louise and Bill shared a vibrant love of life and laughter. They delighted in entertaining—hosting dinner parties, playing bridge, and gathering with friends for games of Mexican Train dominoes. Together, they guided all four children through college and, afterward, embraced the joy of travel. They explored numerous U.S. states, took several cruises, and even visited Biblical sites in Israel and Jordan. Perhaps their favorite destination was Florida, where they spent every January for many years, surrounded by family and friends at Orange Lake Resort near Orlando.

Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, and her parents, Glen and Grace. She is survived by her children: Susan W. Hite (husband Don), Sally A. Lathrop (sons Andrew and Scott), Nancy L. Davidson (daughter Kelsey), and Bill Wilcoxon Jr. (wife Erin, son Andy, and daughter Kellie). She also leaves behind three cherished great grandchildren: Logan, Leena, and Landon Lathrop.

Louise lived a life of love, purpose, and service. Her memory will remain a guiding light to all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations made in Louise’s memory to support Alzheimer’s research—a cause close to our hearts. If you prefer, a donation to a charity that’s meaningful to you would also be a wonderful way to honor her memory.

Her family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 10, from 10am-Noon at Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with her funeral service to begin at Noon. Graveside service to follow at Glen Rest Memorial Estates. 

All friends and family are invited to to continue the celebration of life at 2:00 at Vick's Pizza, 7345 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louise Marie Wilcoxon, please visit our floral store.