May 15, 1929 ~ March 1, 2025
Doris Ola (Dempsey) Cox, 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 1, 2025. Doris was born on May 15, 1929, in Odessa, Texas, to James Milas and Josie Mauldin Dempsey.
She grew up in Mauldin, Texas (a town founded by her mother's family) alongside her four brothers, James (Jr.), Tommy, Roy, and Larry, and two sisters, Flora and Helen. She was known as "the runt of the litter" because she was the smallest of the siblings. She married James Hardy Cox on August 23, 1947, in John Town, Texas. They later made their home in Littlefield, Texas, where they raised their two children, Carol and Michael.
Doris was a devoted mother. She served as a Sunday school teacher and a den mother for Michael's Boy Scout troop, and she was her daughter, Carol's lifelong best friend. She later ran a daycare from her home, where she became affectionately known as "Nanny" (the name her grandchildren gave her) to many Littlefield kids.
Doris and James had a rich social life and were very active in the community. They spent countless hours playing dominoes with dear friends and were involved in local organizations. She was a longtime member of the Littlefield Arts and Heritage organization, where she played a key role in organizing events, including the annual Waylon Jennings Day celebrations. Doris was a talented artist. She honed her techniques at the local Senior Citizens Center for several years and went on to win numerous awards in local and area competitions for her many paintings. She was also actively involved in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), where she enjoyed traveling with friends and volunteering in the community.
Above all, Doris will be remembered for her unwavering loyalty to her family. She sacrificed so much of her time to care for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she adored. In recent years, she often said that she hoped to live long enough to see her beloved great-great-granddaughter, Brooklyn, grow up. While she didn't quite make it, we know she is watching over all of us from Heaven. In her final days, she repeatedly called out to Jesus and her mother to take her home, and we have peace knowing that's exactly where she is.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Milas and Josie Dempsey; her brothers, Tommy, Roy, and Larry; her sister, Flora; a daughter-in-law, Janice Cox; and a son-in-law, Randy Cooper.
She is survived by her son, Michael, and his wife, Nancye; her daughter, Carol; her sister, Helen; her brother, James (Jr.); six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doris leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and service, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Littlefield Memorial Park. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 6 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield, Texas.