Barbara Nell Cox, aged 90, passed away in the warmth of her home November 9, 2022. Barbara wrote her last chapter exactly as she intended, in her home, with her family.
Barbara was a fiercely independent, southern woman, who loved attending the Ypsilanti Church of Christ, and fervently believed in the kindness and friendship of others.
Barbara was born on November 25, 1931, in Mouthcard, Kentucky to Alice Matney and Willie J. Childress.
Barbara is survived by her youngest sister, Sarah Steele (William Steele); her daughters, Jerry Lynn Potts and Nancy Yvonne Cox; her granddaughters, Casey Soave (Mark Soave) and Camey Buzas; her great-grandchildren, Jessica Brown, Jackie Brown, Jillian Goss (Tyler Goss), Katelyn Buchte, Kristina Buchte, Kelsey Soave, Cody and Ian Buzas; and great-great grandchildren, Christopher, Jacob, Riley, Zoey, Tyler, Leo, and Skylar.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Bert Thomas (Sonny) Cox; beloved siblings, Howard, Clell, Cline and Elmer Childress; sisters, Vicey Belcher and Bonnie Thacker; and her first grandchild, Garry Thomas Brown.
Barbara was a devout member of the Ypsilanti Church of Christ (Cross Street) and cherished the many brothers and sisters she established in Christ through the Church of Christ.
After thirty-two years, Barbara retired from Ford Rawsonville and was grateful for the opportunities she earned through the automotive industry and often said, “Ford changed my life.” Many of Barb’s life-long friendships began at the Rawsonville plant some of those being:
Johnnye Sharp, Joan Sparrow, Ruth Epling, Ronnie Trent, Ray Parker, Sharon and George Moore and Doris Novak.
The Cliffs at the Point in Ypsilanti became a home and refuge for Barb after Sonny passed away. At the Cliffs, Barb established many friendships and was grateful to those who were so supportive of her residing independently until her passing.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Nie Family Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
Wednesday, November 16, 2022, a funeral service will take place at 10:00 am at the Ypsilanti Church of Christ, 1070 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti, MI 48198. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery, Ypsilanti, MI, next to her beloved husband, Bert (Sonny) and grandson, Garry Thomas, where they will rejoice in life after this life.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to the Ypsilanti Church of Christ, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, or to Arbor Hospice.
Please join our family in celebrating the life and legacy of Barbara Nell Cox.