Margaret Elizabeth (Mann) Cox

Born on October 7, 1935, in Jonesboro, North Carolina, Margaret Mann Cox lived a life that was a testament to faith, devotion, and grace.

In 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Jimmie Cox. Their marriage was filled with joy, adventure, and unwavering love. From trips to Europe and Hawaii to hot air balloon rides and the World’s Fair, Margaret and Jimmie embraced life to its fullest. Together, they built a home rooted in love — the foundation for the close-knit family who adored her. But Margaret’s love extended far beyond her relatives. If you sat at her table, you were welcomed and cared for as if you were one of her own. No one ever left her home feeling like anything less than family.

A lifelong member of Jonesboro United Methodist Church, Margaret shared her gifts with humility and joy — playing piano for the early service for many years and lifting her voice in the choir, where her faith echoed in every note.

As a charter member of the Jonesboro Historical Society, Margaret poured her heart into preserving the stories and structures of the town she cherished. She believed that honoring the past was a way of honoring the people who lived it.

She was an avid gardener who found joy among her flowers and vegetables, often cooking straight from the field. A gifted cook, she was best known for her caramel cakes and sugar cookies — recipes remembered not only for their sweetness, but for the love baked into every bite.

Margaret is now reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Jimmie, parents, Lizzie and Hammett Mann, and her brothers, John Mann and Charles Lee Mann. She is survived by her loving children: Susan Dixon (Robert), James Cox (Tonya), and Stephen Cox (Dalisa); her five cherished grandchildren: Whitney Beal (Michael), Jacob Cox (Meredith), Anna Yanders (Lucas), Sarah Dixon (Cody), and Jeremy Cox; and her four beloved great-grandchildren: Alston Beal, Bayleigh Cox, Harper Beal, and Hailey Beal. She also leaves behind many adored nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Faithfully by her side was her loyal canine companion, Guinevere — lovingly known as “Gwennie” — who brought her comfort and companionship to the very end.

Margaret’s life was marked by compassion, stewardship, and resilience. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her spirit lives on — in every hymn sung, every hummingbird that passes through, and every act of unconditional love shared by those who knew her.

She will be missed dearly and remembered always.

A service honoring Margaret’s life will be held at Jonesboro United Methodist Church (407 W Main St, Sanford, NC 27332) on Sunday, June 22, at 3:00 p.m. A visitation will follow in the church fellowship hall. The family will hold a private burial at another time.

“In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in Margaret’s memory to Jonesboro United Methodist Church where her faith and music touched so many lives.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Elizabeth (Mann) Cox, please visit our floral store.