Elizabeth Rawlins Cox

Elizabeth (Betty) Rawlins Cox, 78, of Rocky Mt, N.C. left this world, for her heavenly home, on Thursday, Oct 6th, 2011. She was born in Athens, Ga on Nov. 1, 1932 to Preston and Emmie Rawlins, and grew up in Mc Rae, Ga. She was preceded in death by her only brother Preston Nickerson (Nicky) Rawlins, and her husband of 52 years, George P. Cox Jr. Betty graduated from the University of Georgia, where she was a member of Delta, Delta, Delta sorority. She briefly taught school before she married, and started her family in Georgia. In later years, she and George made their home in Vienna, Va, where they raised their five children. Betty loved life, and all that God created. She enjoyed painting, writing poetry, and tending her flowers, and rose garden. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly, and her loyal Chihuahua "Honey" Betty treasured her friends, and often called her church, her second home. Betty had a big heart for all animals-especially the mistreated, From an early age, Betty found great joy and comfort in her church. Serving on the staff at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, in Northern Virginia, as Director of Congregational Care and Evangelism, was a great privilege to her. Betty had a love and compassion for all people, especially the less fortunate. When Betty and George retired to Rocky Mt, NC in 1999, she became active in both the community as a Guardian Ad Litem, and her church-First United Methodist. Bible studies, the “Sunshine” ministry, and her church “Womens Circle” were important to her. Bettys zest for life was an inspiration to many, and she will be greatly missed, by all that knew and loved her. She will be remembered as a wonderful Mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. Betty leaves to cherish her memory, her 5 children and spouses, 8 grandchildren, and her sister in law, family. Cherie Gift (Rocky Mt.,NC) and her daughter, Jessica; Currie Just,(Olmstead Falls, Oh) and her children, Greg and wife Tiffany, Scott and Amanda; Kim and Mike Leahy (Onancock, Va) and their children, Steve and Brian; Dede and Blaine Wilson,(South Riding, Va) and their children ,Jordan and Michaella; and her son Chip (George P. Cox III) Hay Market, Va and Colleen Evans, (Haymarket, Va.) Other family members include sister n law Rebecca Rawlins (McRae, Ga.), and her son John, and grandson Jack (family of her late brother Nicky Rawlins). A Family Service in Virginia was held Friday, October 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., at St. Matthews United Methodist Church., followed by a reception. An additional service to "Celebrate Betty's Life" was held by her daughter Cherie, in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church, in Rocky Mt., North Carolina on Sunday, October 16th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. The service was followed by a "Butterfly Release" in the courtyard, and a Reception in the Parlor. Memorials may be made in Betty's Honor to the "Food Ministry" First United Methodist Church Attn:-Food Ministry-Betty Cox 100 S. Church St. Rocky Mt, N.C. 27804 Service First United Methodist Church (Rocky Mount) 100 South Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-977-0400 --> | Sunday 10/16, 2:00 pm