Ethel Virginia Sewell Cox, 99 years old was married to the late Elroy Cox, Sr. on April 26, 1938.
From this union, ten (10) children were born. She leaves to cherish her memories 7 girls and 3
boys: Ferrie Lene (Edwin) Bailey, Mobile, AL, Lula Mae (John) Julye, Denver, CO, Elroy Cox, Jr,
Denver, CO, Ethel Marie (Vernon) York, Denver, CO, Vianna (J.R. Jr.) Marietta, GA, Ruth Lattier-
Chriette (Ben), Eight Mile, AL, Eddie Lee (Patricia) Cox, Birmingham, AL, Bessie/Deborah
(Thomas) Gordon, Houston, TX, Gloria (Charles) Jackson, Houston, TX, Ralph Bernard (Jennifer)
Cox, Mobile, AL. Also, stepson Kalvin (Yolanda) Cox, Mobile, AL.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Henry & Lula Mae Phelan; Her sisters and
brothers; Easter P (Earnest) Andrews, Annie Mae (George Sr.) McMillan, Lola Sims (Grandville)
Franklin, Lula Bell (Matt) Worthy, Abraham Phelan, Henry, and Esau Perine; Her
granddaughters, Nicole Izene Cox Mason (Nat), April Lanette Lattier-Kellum (Demetrius), and
Janice Julye McCummings (Craig).
She leaves to cherish her memories, 1 brother John (Gloria) Phelan; 38 Grandchildren; 57 Great
grandchildren; 16 Great, Great, Great grandchildren and many, many nieces, nephews, and
friends.
Ethel was the epitome of a virtuous woman for her price is far above rubies. Her husband of 65
years, until his death in 2003, did they depart. He safely trusted in her as she did him good and
not evil all the days of her life. Having conceived and honored him with 10 beautiful children,
her passion to love and care for them was made a reality. She was a stay-at-home housewife
for many years. Her ability to diligently prepare meals, make their clothes, keep them well
groomed, and along with her husband, taught them Christian principals. After her children
became of age, she graciously accepted a job at Piccadilly Restaurant where she performed
various duties including Hostess.
At a young age, Ethel accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She demonstrated
her faith by being a life-time member of Apostolic Faith Church, Mobile, AL (Founder/Pastor
Gillen Nettles, succeeded by Rev. Wilson Crawford, succeeded by Rev. Albert Golston, and
current pastor, Rev. Ralph Stephens). Her ministry throughout the years, was Sunday School
superintendent and Tuesday night bible study facilitator. Ethel was a prayer warrior who prayed
daily even during her last days. She was one of four church mothers that during a certain
Pastor’s tenure, often referred to as “The Fabulous Four”. Fabulous only because they were
well versed and astute in the word of God. They were anointed to teach and provide wise
counsel. Ethel Cox was the last of “The Fabulous Four” to receive her wings. She always ended
her prayer with “when I have done all that I can do down here, take me up to kingdom”. Saleh