Mother Gloria Ann Cox

This journey began Monday February, 17, 1947 in Thomasville, Alabama, my parents Mr. General Lee “Bud” and Willie Ann Smith, had a little girl named Gloria Ann Smith, many called me Gloris Ann…. My early years I was reared in a Christ driven, purposed to love home, with my siblings… my brother Leroy “Son”, later came Milton, Margie Lee, Carolyn “Kitty”, and the baby Sharon ‘Ninty Bug”. Our family was always together, many of my cousins grew up more like brothers and sisters. Matter of fact, when Aunt Molly passed, Dee Dee, Willa Dean, Lucinda “Cindy”, Marilyn “Elaine” and Aundra came right on it and they were my Sister Cousins… you couldn’t tell us nothing… and being the first set of grandkids to Prese and Freda Pouncy, we were always at “the Corner”, Johnnie “Cutter”, Martha, Leroy “Son” and Hazel.

My early years I attended school in Thomasville, later to graduate from A. L. Martin High School in 1964. I gained some lifelong friendships, I will forever cherish, Anita Horn, Sallie Howard and Clarence Pope.

While in high school, I met a young man from Toddtown, in the person on Mr. Henly Cox. Even while Henly served in the Army, I had the privilege of “keeping his car” until he came back. I enrolled at Alabama State University., and when Henly came back, he asked my parents could he marry me. All of a year in college and now this… well September 11, 1965, I married and the following Monday I was on my way to California. As life continued to transition, Henly and I resided in Oakland, later moving to Berkeley, California. Working in the Berkeley Unified School District as a teacher. 1966 was a great year, as my firstborn, Avery Lafayett came into the world.
 

Henly and I prayed and the Lord led us to Berkeley Mt. Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. M. T. Thompson. It was there I met Elizabeth Bogard, we were a part of the Electra Circle, as Sis. Morell Posey taught us, and I gained some Sisters in Christ. As well, Liz and her husband Jonathan, Henly and I grew a bond that will always be. We actually decided to
move to Hercules, California in 1979, spending the night on the lots we chose, next door to one another for 41 years. In 1976, my Babygirl was born, Sabrina Libbyann, the world wasn’t ready, I know I was.

As a member of Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for over 45 years, I served as Director of the Woman’s Ministry, First Vice President of the Woman’s Missionary Union, Sunday School Instructor, Circle Chairperson, Trustee, Business and Professional Christian Auxiliary, Choir Member (Mass and Mission), Dean of Christian Education, New Member Orientation Instructor, Secretary/Treasurer Phoebe Circle. Also serving the Home and Foreign Mission District Association as Past President of the Woman’s Auxiliary. Director of Finance, Woman’s Auxiliary, Hospitality Committee for the California State Baptist Convention.
 

When Henly passed in 2003, I decided to go back to school, in 2008, I obtained my Bachelors in Business Management and in 2010 my Master’s in Business Management, from University of Phoenix. My kids, Dexter and Erika, and them Hall girls looked out for Auntie Ann always. I kept busy traveling to District, State and National Baptist Conventions with Vernadine Randle…. We have had some memorable times….

Vocationally, I worked for the University of California at San Francisco, Purchasing Department as a Sr. Buyer, retiring in 2011.

Upon my retirement, Bri (that’s what I call her) shared she wanted me to be with her in Texas, if y’all know my child she likes to get her way… I packed up the house, that is after she sold it from up under me, and headed to Houston, Texas, October 2011.

I joined the Lilly Grove Baptist Church, first Sunday November 2011, where Rev. Terry Anderson has been my Pastor. I took part of the Women’s Mission, the Dorcus Circle, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School #4, Reach out and Touch Ministry and Deacon Family Ministry #5. I am grateful for my “Pew Sisters’ as we always made sure we were seated together for worship and checked on each other during the week, expecting that Sunday meet up at Lilly Grove.
 

I consider myself a lifelong learner and took part of the BSF, Bible Study Fellowship on Tuesday’s via Zoom, was a blessing. In my spare time, I was the property manager/security for GGG’s Fashions (what the kids say LOL) sharing time with the Golden Girls, Mrs. Mattie Holmes and Helen Jeffrey.

I have made some great friendships and relationships, but nothing better, than the one I have with my Father, the Lord Jesus Christ. What can be said, you know a life lived and lived well with love and support from friends and family. I Thank You All!!! Until we meet again!
 

Mrs. Gloria Ann Cox, or as many called her “Mama Cox” to many leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter and son-n-love, Sabrina and Rev. Chad Ned. She is predeceased by her husband, Henly and son Rev. Avery, her parents Mr. General Lee & Willie Ann Smith, and brothers Leroy & Milton Smith, sisters Carolyn Gaines, Lucinda Glover, Delois Owes. Sisters who will carry her memory, Margie (Ray) Garrett of El Paso, Sharon (Will) Buford, Thomasville, Willa Dean Jackson, Marilyn (Amos) McDaniel and Aundra Edwards. Great Aunt and Matriarch of the family, Dora Green of Schertz Texas, a host of nieces and nephews. Her God Children, Dexter & Erika Hall, Jonathan Bogard, Stacie McCormick, Darrick & Khaliah Parnell. Sister in Christ, Vernadine Randle, Tampa Florida, Mattie Holmes, Michael Jones, Randy Currie and Cairo Green (You know who you are to me!). Churches that she loved dearly, Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church & Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church. And a host of family members and lifelong friendships that will be appreciated for more than a
lifetime.

Floral arrangements can be ordered through:

Thomasville Memorial Funeral Home

334-636-1810

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