Debbie Cox is retiring as media specialist at Madison Elementary School. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – From accomplishments in her career, Debbie Cox takes pride in the library media center at Madison Elementary School. She retired as the school’s media specialist at the end of the 2012-2013 school year.

“Through combined efforts of the entire school community over 13 years, we have built a wonderful collection of books and learning materials to support our students as they learn and grow,” she said.

Cox wants her successor as librarian to know that “Madison Elementary School values reading. Any library media specialist will find an eager and receptive learning community when they assume this position.”

In college, she earned a bachelor’s degree at Athens State University, master’s degree at Alabama A&M University and master’s degree in library science at the University of Alabama.

Cox has taught solely in Madison for 25 years. She worked in the Madison County Schools system until the Madison City Schools district was founded in 1998.

From Cox’ time as student and teacher, “Mary Anne Beckett will always hold a special place in my heart. She was my first-grade teacher and taught me to read. Learning to read changed my life.”

Her retirement years will provide time for continued growth and learning, “fun and enjoyment, and time to make a contribution through volunteer work. I’m eager to begin this journey with my husband Jerry.”

Her husband Jerry Cox retired from the U.S. Army Reserve and the federal government. “We have two daughters, Amy and Katie, who both graduated from Bob Jones High School,” Debbie said. “Amy is a biology teacher, and Katie is an accountant.”

The Cox’ have two grandsons. Zachary Ramsdell attends Discovery Middle School, and Joshua Ramsdell attends Bob Jones. Their son-in-law, Marc Ramsdell, also is a Bob Jones alumnus.

“It has been my privilege and honor to work as a teacher and library media specialist for Madison City Schools,” Cox said. “The students, faculty and support workers have enriched my life beyond description and for that I will always be grateful.”