Wilma Frances (Downs) Cox

Wilma Frances Downs Cox, age 94, of Greenwood, Mississippi, passed away on February 20, 2024. Born on January 17, 1930, in Carroll Country, she was known all her life as “Dot.”

Dot was a life-long resident of Carroll County and Greenwood. She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, James Wesley “Pete” Cox, by her parents, Henry Downs and Myrtle Gordon Downs Bennet, by two sisters, Pearly Winters Hood and Nell Austin, and by seven brothers, Malcomb, Jimmy, W.H., Bluford, Sonny, Johnnie, and Billy. She is survived by one sister, Sue Lishman Anthony of Senatobia. She is also survived by three sons: Larry (Cheryl) of Rome, Georgia, Barry (Bubba) and his wife, Lou Ann, Brandon, Mississippi, and Danny (Rae), Sumner, Mississippi. Dot was known as “Mimi” to eight grandchildren—Jason (Kelli) Cox, Jeremy (Kimberly) Cox, Laurie (Jeffrey) Estridge, Amanda (Jeff) Hunter, Allison (Will) Dolbeer, Colby (Erica) Cox, Brittney (Sean) Harrison and Cayson (Hannah) Cox– and to 25 great grandchildren.

Dot was a member of Valley Hill Baptist Church where she and her family were charter members in 1968. She was a true life-long servant. Whether it was calling elderly shut-ins, cooking for those experiencing health challenges or those bereaving the passing of a loved one, baking caramel cakes for family and friends, sharing her homemade pickles and jelly, or picking up people to carry them to church, she was constantly looking for opportunities to help others.

A celebration service of the life of Dot Cox will be held at Greenwood Delta Funeral Home in Greenwood, Mississippi, at 12 Noon on February 24. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12 Noon.  Dr. Larry Cox will officiate. Family members and friends will have an opportunity to offer eulogies.  Dr. Marvin Lishman, Dot’s nephew, will officiate at the gravesite. 

A graveside service will immediately follow the memorial service at Evergreen Cemetery in Carrolton, Mississippi. Serving as pallbearers will be Colby Cox, Cayson Cox, Caleb Hunter, Ty Estridge, Jeff Hunter and Jeffrey Estridge. Members of Valley Hill Baptist Church will be honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends consider a contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at this address: Ministry Advancement, International Mission Board, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230 or online at https://www.imb.org/give-now/.

Greenwood Delta Funeral Home (www.greenwooddeltafh.com) is in charge of arrangements.

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