Kelly Renee Cox

Kelly Renee Thomas Cox, 41 of Sanford passed away Sunday September 16, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday at Holly Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Thomas Family section of Broadway Town Cemetery.

Kelly was a very talented decorator and very artistic.  She enjoyed spending time on the lake and at the beach with Shannon and her family & friends.  NC State football games and tailgating with the “Natural Born Grillers”, college friends of Shannon, was also a favorite pastime.  Kelly attended Lee Senior High School and graduated in 1995.  She then attended Sandhills Community College and received a degree in respiratory therapy in 1997.  Kelly practiced in the PICU and NICU at UNC Hospitals for 17 years.  Kelly adored children.  Kelly & Shannon were able to experience parenthood through the lives of the children of their family and friends. 

Kelly was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2005 and continued working until September 2017.  Dr. White & Dr. Jurisich were quick to diagnose and begin her treatment.  Kelly’s care was transferred to UNC Cancer Hospital per request of the physicians.  Dr. Carey and Dr. Ewend were quick to accept the challenge and fought just as hard to find a cure as Kelly did to beat the disease.   After three general surgeries and nine craniotomies, many chemotherapy regimens and radiation treatments her battle drew to a close.  Kelly was hospitalized on September 4, 2018 in the UNC Cancer Hospital under the care of Dr. Trevor Jolly.  When the physicians, Kelly and her family knew the end was near, she was then transferred to a more peaceful place to complete her journey here with us. 

KELLY TRULY IS THE STRONGEST GIRL WE KNOW!

Kelly is survived by her husband, Shannon Kelly Cox; her parents, Grace Smith Thomas of Broadway and the late Jerry Wayne Thomas; Sibling, Leslie Nicole Thomas of Broadway; Furry Companions Molly, Zoe and Kelly will be accompanied to heaven by Kate!!; In-Laws, Ronny & Linda Cox of Sanford; Brother-in-law, Adam Corey Cox and wife Lisa Berrie Cox of San Diego, CA. Kelly was preceded in death by Granny, Clara P. Smith, Papa, John Wheeler Smith, Grandfather  Edward Warren Thomas and her Nanny, Nellie S. Thomas. Survived by a large loving family including Dwight & Sandra, Jackie & the late Clayborn & Dawn, Marie & Johnny, Peggy & the late Nelson, Late Uncle Lee, Guy & Brenda, Johnny & Jeanette, Larry and Patricia, Eddie and Tracy, and Uncle Terry.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm Wednesday at Holly Springs Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers consider donations to: SECU Jim & Betsy Bryan Hospice Home of UNC Health Care, 100 Roundtree Way, Pittsboro, NC