Betty Cox

Betty Terry Cox passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2026. She was 96 years old. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Laurel Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Scott Stanfill will officiate.

A resident of Thomasville, Georgia for almost 90 years, Betty made remarkable contributions in the lives of children throughout her life. She was the first speech pathologist in the Thomasville school system. Later, after getting her Master’s degree in speech pathology, she served as the special education coordinator for the Thomasville City Schools for over twenty years. Betty was passionate about creating strategies to help all children with exceptionalities, including speech, hearing, and learning to achieve their highest potential.

Born in Valdosta, Georgia to William Henry Terry and Nebbie Luckie Terry, Betty moved to Thomasville when she was seven years old and spent her childhood there. After graduating from Thomasville High School, she attended Sullins College and then graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in speech and psychology. After college, she met and married Robert “Rob” Cox, and they had 55 wonderful years of marriage.

Betty and Rob enjoyed the outdoors together - playing tennis, snow skiing, gardening, walking regularly, and traveling. Early in their marriage, they welcomed their daughter Betsy and provided a loving home. Their love for children expanded with each succeeding generation of nieces and nephews and Betsy’s stepsons. After Rob’s death in 2008, Betty continued to be actively involved with her family and found deep joy in frequent visits with her local great, great nephews William and Thomas, as they celebrated milestones and embarked on new ventures. Throughout her life, Betty remained an avid Georgia Bulldog fan.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Betsy Cox of Jacksonville, Florida, sister Marilyn Terry Calkins of Tucson, Arizona, and numerous nieces and nephews who were great treasures to her. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Rob, two brothers and sisters in law, Herman and Mary Virginia Terry and Bill and Evelyn Terry, and brother-in-law, Rad Calkins.

The family is especially grateful for the loving care provided to Betty over her last years by Makishia Sherman, Diane Burnett, Gladys Hart, Hope Mallard, Shanda Scott, and Tremisha Wilkins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Methodist Church, P.O. Box 975, Thomasville, GA 31799, the Thomasville YMCA, P.O. Box 1037, Thomasville, GA 31799, or the Terry College Excellence Fund, University of Georgia, One Press Place, Athens, GA 30602.