Helen Cox Maddox

Helen Cox Maddox, born on December 24, 1932, to Milton Lee Cox and Lula Mae Allen Cox of Sanford, NC, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024, holding hands with her daughters and listening to her favorite Christmas music. A funeral service will be held on Saturday December 14th at 2pm at Center United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

She was a devoted wife to her late husband, James P. Maddox, with whom she shared 58 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2011. She is preceded in death by her siblings Edna Hall, Marie Rosser, Paul Cox, Mae Watson, and Dale Cox. She is survived by her sister Elsie Cameron.

Helen was a nurturing presence in the lives of her family, especially her two daughters, Emily Ti-An Ferrell and her husband Keith of Wake Forest, NC, and Melody Dawn Noell and her husband Matthew of Largo, FL. Family was the most important thing to Helen. She cherished her four grandchildren, Sydney Wolaver, Olivia Ferrell, Henry Noell, and Paul Noell. She made it a priority to support each of them in everything they did. She was also a great grandmother to Maddox and Lawrence Wolaver. She could often be heard on the phone bragging about her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A passionate gardener, baker, and puzzler, Helen found happiness living with her daughter Ti-An's family in Wake Forest, NC. She was a huge fan of Duke basketball, having played the sport in high school, and her enthusiasm for the game remained strong throughout her life. Helen enjoyed the music of Perry Como, Charlie Pride, and the Lawrence Welk orchestra, which often filled her home with joy. When not at home, Helen could be found at Ocean Isle Beach, her favorite getaway. Helen and her husband, JP, were also avid animal lovers and would often take in stray cats. In her professional life, Helen obtained her Cosmetology License in the 1960s, worked as a Reading Assistant at Oak Grove Elementary School in the 1970s, and later retired from Nortel Networks, where she was an assembly line worker.

A lifelong Christian and member of the United Methodist Church, Helen’s faith was a guiding force in her life. She received a Special Recognition award for her outstanding service to the United Methodist Women's group, reflecting her dedication and commitment to her community. She will be remembered for her loving spirit, devotion to her family, and the warmth she brought to all who knew her. Helen will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

 Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Center United Methodist Church, 4141 South Plank Road, Sanford, NC 27330.

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