Mildred Cox Vuris Obituary – Austin American-Statesman

Mildred Cox Vuris

Austin – Mildred Cox Vuris, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, died on January 12, 2022. She was 78.

Mildred was born on March 2, 1943, to Evelyn and Lester Cox in San Antonio, Texas. She contracted a severe case of polio at the age of six and barely survived. For the rest of her life, she used a wheelchair. Mildred was cared for by her mother and always had the love and support of her family to help her overcome the challenges of her disability.

This was long before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, so Mildred was unable to attend public school with the other students. She briefly attended elementary at Redeemer Lutheran school, then was educated at home by her mother. When she was 15, a local charity purchased an intercom so that she could participate in classroom discussions from home. Senior year she was able to attend class in person at Edison High School in San Antonio where her intelligent witty nature and amiable personality helped her form lifelong friendships. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

In 1965 Mildred met John Vuris at Shakey’s Pizza on Guadalupe. Mildred was the prettiest, smartest, and hardest working girl he’d ever met. The two were married in 1967. They doted on their two daughters, and supported them through their lives and education, attending countless marching band events and Mildred serving on PTA’s. They shared a love of raising dogs, eating great food and traveling. Finding lodging that could accommodate Mildred’s wheelchair was challenging, so John customized an RV to meet her needs. They put 45,000 miles on the Winnebago exploring with their daughters and often their labradors!

Mildred was a fun and nurturing grandmother. She enthusiastically supported her five grandchildren in every way, showing them unconditional love and positivity. One of her favorite activities was to take her grandkids to the mall to buy them new clothes and treats. These trips usually only ended when the kids gave out, exhausted by keeping up with Mildred’s legendary shopping energy and super-fast electric wheelchair!

Mildred had a long and distinguished career devoted to improving the lives of those with mental illness. For 40 years she worked at Austin Travis County Integral Care, ultimately serving as the Director of Government and Community Relations until 2012. During her career, she led a team that was awarded a $2.5 million national grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to develop and establish an innovative housing and treatment program to help people experiencing mental illness and homelessness in Austin. She was on the boards of several non-profits including New Milestones Foundation, Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2004 she was recognized by the Girl Scouts Lone Star Council as a Woman of Distinction.

Mildred was a firm believer in vaccinations, and for the safety of all, the family asks guests to be fully vaccinated and wear masks. A webcast will available from her online Cook Walden Forest Oaks obituary.

All services will be held at 6300 West William Cannon Drive – Visitation Friday, January 21st from 5-7 PM. Service – January 22st 11 AM, followed by interment at 12 PM. Please dress warmly.

Mildred Cox Vuris

Austin – Mildred Cox Vuris, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, died on January 12, 2022. She was 78.

Mildred was born on March 2, 1943, to Evelyn and Lester Cox in San Antonio, Texas. She contracted a severe case of polio at the age of six and barely survived. For the rest of her life, she used a wheelchair. Mildred was cared for by her mother and always had the love and support of her family to help her overcome the challenges of her disability.

This was long before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, so Mildred was unable to attend public school with the other students. She briefly attended elementary at Redeemer Lutheran school, then was educated at home by her mother. When she was 15, a local charity purchased an intercom so that she could participate in classroom discussions from home. Senior year she was able to attend class in person at Edison High School in San Antonio where her intelligent witty nature and amiable personality helped her form lifelong friendships. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

In 1965 Mildred met John Vuris at Shakey’s Pizza on Guadalupe. Mildred was the prettiest, smartest, and hardest working girl he’d ever met. The two were married in 1967. They doted on their two daughters, and supported them through their lives and education, attending countless marching band events and Mildred serving on PTA’s. They shared a love of raising dogs, eating great food and traveling. Finding lodging that could accommodate Mildred’s wheelchair was challenging, so John customized an RV to meet her needs. They put 45,000 miles on the Winnebago exploring with their daughters and often their labradors!

Mildred was a fun and nurturing grandmother. She enthusiastically supported her five grandchildren in every way, showing them unconditional love and positivity. One of her favorite activities was to take her grandkids to the mall to buy them new clothes and treats. These trips usually only ended when the kids gave out, exhausted by keeping up with Mildred’s legendary shopping energy and super-fast electric wheelchair!

Mildred had a long and distinguished career devoted to improving the lives of those with mental illness. For 40 years she worked at Austin Travis County Integral Care, ultimately serving as the Director of Government and Community Relations until 2012. During her career, she led a team that was awarded a $2.5 million national grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to develop and establish an innovative housing and treatment program to help people experiencing mental illness and homelessness in Austin. She was on the boards of several non-profits including New Milestones Foundation, Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2004 she was recognized by the Girl Scouts Lone Star Council as a Woman of Distinction.

Mildred was a firm believer in vaccinations, and for the safety of all, the family asks guests to be fully vaccinated and wear masks. A webcast will available from her online Cook Walden Forest Oaks obituary.

All services will be held at 6300 West William Cannon Drive – Visitation Friday, January 21st from 5-7 PM. Service – January 22st 11 AM, followed by interment at 12 PM. Please dress warmly.