Mrs. Mary Rebecca Hadley Cox, age 87, a resident of Belhaven, died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019.

Mrs. Cox was born in Stockton, Alabama, on Aug. 31, 1932. She was the daughter of the late Hazie and Gillie Gray Long Hadley. Mrs. Cox was a retired bookkeeper with Blue Channel Corporation and The Great Belhaven Bait & Seafood Company. She was an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church.

On Sept. 16, 1952, she married John B. Cox, Sr., who preceded her in death, Dec. 21, 2002.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loved spending time on her porch with family and friends. Mary had an infectious laugh that could be heard a mile away. She always had a smile on her face and spread joy to everyone who knew her.

Mrs. Cox is survived by a daughter, Margaret Cox Griffin (Stephen), of Durham; two sons, Charlie Cox (Kristy), of Davidson, North Carolina, John Cox, Jr, (Jenny), of Lewisville; seven grandchildren, Amber Cox Routh (Daniel), Holly Cox Christian (Jeremiah), Jessie Cox, Charlie Cox, Emily Cox, Hadley Griffin Wilson (Ross), Rebecca Griffin; and two great-grandchildren, Aletheia Routh and John Routh. She is also survived by six siblings and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Belhaven, conducted by Pastor Cris Noble. Burial will follow in Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven.

The following will serve as pallbearers: Danny Woolard, Georgie Baker, Vic Cox, Ken Frengs, Jim Merritt and Kenneth Geci.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, 2019, at Paul Funeral Home in Belhaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 491 E. Main St., Belhaven, NC 27810.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the dedicated staffs at Hillcrest Convalescent Center, Duke Hospice and Autumnfield Nursing Home. The family would also like to thank special caregiver Wanda Gordon and Physician Assistant Mandy Starbuck.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com. Paul Funeral Home of Belhaven is honored to serve the Cox family.