Virginia Cox née Burnside, attended St. Mary's Junior College, graduating in 1949. After graduation, she remained involved in the college and surrounding community. As an active alumni she worked with the Alumni Association and maintained close contact with college president Margaret O'Brien. Virginia Cox also served as a part of the Archives Committee which helped to create the St. Mary's College of Maryland college archive, and was also involved with Historic St. Mary's City, helping create Save St. Mary's Inc. while working with many Historic St. Mary's City projects. She was a part of the Historic St. Mary's City Rescue Coalition which successfully halted the building of a new academic building on an archaeologically significant site.

In 1972 Virginia and Thomas Cox purchased Woodlawn Farm, located in Ridge, MD. Uninhabited for 20 years prior to purchase, extensive renovations and restoration was needed and began in 1980. The restoration of the home was successful with the home receiving many awards and recognitions both locally and nationally. Virginia Cox also worked with the Maryland Historical Trust which placed an easement on the home prior to the sale of the home.