Judy Ayers Cox

Judy Ayers Cox, 77, of Salem, Virginia passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021. She was born Thursday, June 15, 1944, and was the daughter of James and Laura Ayers of Ewing, VA.

One of thirteen children and the daughter of a farmer, Judy grew up understanding the value of hard work. She left the mountains of SW Virginia to pursue a career in nursing at Catawba Hospital. Judy brightened the lives of many patients and staff for over 30 years.

Judy had an infectious laugh and smile that warmed your heart. She was loving, kind, and knew how to make you feel special. She didn’t sweat the small stuff and taught us that the most important things in life are God and family. She had a wonderful marriage to her husband, Eddie, for 48 years, before his passing in 2018. She adored her two children, Edwynna and Anthony and was affectionately known as “Mimi” to her granddaughters Evyn and Ellie. They were the light of her life. “Mimi” was a special gift to us all.
Preceded in death by her son, Anthony Cox; husband, Eddie Cox; parents, James and Laura Ayers; brothers; Joe Ayers, Sillis Ayers, Pete Ayers, Bill Ayers, Dennis Ayers, Benny Ayers; sisters; Maxine Daniels, Edith Sandifer, Betty Gibson, Margaret Stone, Jackie Warf.

Surviving is her daughter, Edwynna Cox Magenbauer and husband Stephen; her two granddaughters, Evyn and Ellie, her sister Jean Brooks and a host of nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church in Salem, VA.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, 305 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153, with Pastor Roger Counts officiating. Entombment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.

Friends may visit with the family from 2 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home.

Per current recommendations, you are encouraged to wear a face mask.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.