Charita L. (Pettijohn) Cox

Charita L. Cox of North Apollo, Pa. entered her eternal life on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. She was 69 years old. She was born Charita L. Pettijohn on Monday, March 5, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pa.  

Charita was a 1974 graduate of Overbrook High School, Philadelphia, Pa. After graduation, she went onto attend Shippensburg State College where she met and began dating Alan Earl Cox. In 1978, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

 After graduation, Charita accepted a job for AETNA Life and Casualty as a Claims Adjuster and moved from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. After a year, she was promoted to the Columbus, Ohio office. In 1983, she accepted a job back in Pennsylvania as a Case Worker for the Department of Human Services at Armstrong County Assistance Office. At that office, she became Executive Director in 2011 and retired in June 2016 with 35 years of credited service.

On September 2, 1990, Charita married the love of her life, Alan E. Cox. From this reunion they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl named Cherie Chante Cox.

Charita served as the Treasurer on the Alle-Kiski Pickleball board and served on the Board of Directors for the Armstrong Couty Community Action of Pennsylvania. For over 25 years, Charita was an active member in both churches: First Baptist Church of North Vandergrift and currently New Life Baptist Church of North Apollo. At New Life Baptist Church, she was not only a dedicated and loyal member, but she also served as the Financial Secretary. Her dedication and commitment to the church was invaluable. In addition to her financial responsibilities, she took pride in the upkeeping of the church lawns by regularly moving the grass…she said, “this was just another form of physical exercise for me.” She also assisted with the preparations for church functions, i.e. inventory, securing grants etc. She participated in church activities and events. One Shining moment during Black History Month, on numerous occasions, Charita would portray Dr. Maya Angelou and recite her entire famous poem “Phenomenal Woman”. She was great and did it all from memory!

Charita was very energetic and always on the run. She enjoyed playing pickleball, golf, racquetball, volleyball, cards, eating out, listening to music, cooking, socializing with friends and hosting family gatherings (at her home, her kitchen was her throne). But more importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family , especially her grandkids. She was a very kind person who was compassionate and always understanding and very opinionated.

Charita was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Walker, her Aunt Mittie and Aunt Mildred, her brother Eric Walker, her father and mother-in-law Andrew and Almeda Cox and her best friend Valerie Hayes.

Charita leaves to cherish her memories: Alan Earl Cox, husband of 36 years, her daughter Cherie Cox-Habian, son-in-law William Habian, grandchildren, William “Billy” Habian, Copeland “CoCo” Habian, Wisdom Habian and Wakeem Habian, Brothers and sisters-in -laws, Andy Cox Jr ( Jackie) of McKeesport, Pa., Angela Fisher (Kelly Sr.) of Plum, Pa., Anthony Cox (Renee) of Lexington, Ky., Anna Wright (Tony) of Blawnox, Pa., Alvin Cox (Marie) of New Jersey, sister in law Marie Walker of Philadelphia, cousins (brother and sister at heart); Alan Graham (Carol) and Lynn Graham and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

Although Charita is no longer with us, she will never be forgotten because of life she has lived and the memories we will always cherish.

Services and viewing will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at New Life Baptist Church, 319 North 2nd St., Apollo, Pa. 15613. Viewing will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM with services at 6:00 PM with Reverend June P. Jeffries, Pastor.

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