From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (African American Women Veterans in and from Kentucky)

Cox, Estella Tinsley

(born: October 1898 - died: March 17, 1984)

Subject

Women's Army Corps (WACs)

Insurance Companies, Insurance Sales

Military and Veterans

World War II

U.S. Army

Military Branch

Women's Army Corps

Active Duty Entered

September 1, 1943

Active Duty Exit

June 29, 1945

Notes

Estella T. Cox was a widow and one of the older women to enlist when she enlisted in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in Owensboro, KY. She was sworn-in in Cincinnati, OH. Sources: Enlistment record in Ancestry; "Recruiting Notes," The Messenger, 1/31/1943, p. 7; and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death files in Ancestry.

"Stella" Tinsley was born in Providence, KY, the daughter of William and Celia Tinsley. Her father was a coal miner. The family is enumerated in the 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 U.S. Censuses. In the 1900 U.S. Census, Stella was two years old; her birthdate was listed as October 1898. In the 1940 U.S. Census she was a widow living in Providence, working for a life insurance company.

After her military service, Estella Cox returned home. In 1968 she was living in Providence when her sister Agnes Moody died (source: "Mrs. Agnes Moody," Messenger and Inquirer, 1/17/1968, p. 2). Estella died in Muhlenberg County, KY in 1984 (sources: "Estella Cox," Evansville Press, 3/19/1984, p. 18; and Kentucky Death Index in Ancestry).