Sylvia Ann Cox

Sylvia Ann Cox, age 82, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2020 in Grants Pass, Oregon.

She was born on July 28, 1937 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Lionel Vincent and Beulah Eudora Littell (Jeter) .

At the age of 6, Sylvia’s family relocated to Los Angeles, California. As a young child, Sylvia was described as quiet but also an adventurous dare devil. Her family enjoyed trips to the local pool, visiting the theater on Saturdays, and frequently roller skating through the streets of East LA. Sundays were always spent at church followed by a big family dinner.

After graduation from high school, Sylvia worked at May Company as a gift wrapper, and later as a secretary at Gilfillan Brothers. Sylvia met and later married James Dallas Cox. They lived for several years in Torrance, California and later moved to West Covina, California where James worked as a CPA. Together, they had seven children. Sylvia was a stay at home mom. She was involved in the school’s local PTA, and enjoyed cooking and getting together with family and friends. She enjoyed taking her family to the beach, the lake, and to Big Bear. She loved to plan birthday parties for her children, as well as hosting guests at her home. She loved singing, and often participated in local singing groups and choirs.

In 1987, after the passing away of her husband James, Sylvia moved to Grants Pass, Oregon with her two youngest daughters. In the coming years, much to her pleasure, she would be joined by three more of her children.

Sylvia worked for several years as a photographer for Life Touch Photography. She later worked as the head secretary of Brighton Academy. She enjoyed taking photos of her children and grandchildren. She loved taking trips with her family, especially ones that involved camping in the outdoors. Sylvia loved to spend time with her grandchildren, who were a huge part of her life. She loved hosting large family gatherings for Thanksgiving and making a traditional New Orleans gumbo every year at Christmas. When she wasn’t busy with family, she enjoyed cooking, reading, and shopping for antiques or used bookstores. She loved buying gifts for others. One of her indulgences was watching General Hospital. In 2002, when her daughter passed prematurely, she took on the role of raising her four young grandchildren: Brently, AnnMarie, Meagan and Jorden.

She will be remembered by her family for her generosity and thoughtfulness, her poised demeanor, her deep faith in God, her sense of humor, and above all her love of family and friends. Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband James in 1987, her daughter Sandee Elaine Sanchez in 2002, her eldest son Michael Anthony Cox in 2012, and her brother Lionel.

She is survived by her sons Christopher and Robin, her daughters Cynthia, Kimberly and Stephanie, her sisters Mamie and Joan, her 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews and friends. A celebration of remembrance will be planned in the coming months.