Judith Ann Cox

Judy was born on March 21st, 1939 in Lansing, MI, to Winton, Sr., and Gladys (Richard) Wiltse. She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1957 and went on to graduate from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s in Education in 1971.

Judy was a devoted teacher for 30 years. She began her teaching career at Resurrection School in Lansing, Michigan. After two years at Resurrection she taught at Immaculate Heart of Mary St. Casimir School for 28 years where she made life long friendships with her fellow colleagues. After retiring Judy looked forward to her monthly lunches with other IHM St. Casimir retirees.

Judy was a strong and courageous mother who raised her 4 children with such pride and joy. She was warm and loving in every way. Judy cherished taking her children on vacations to Crystal Lake, Grand Marais, and Florida to visit family. Her love and devotion to her children was unmatched.

Becoming a grandmother was one of Judy’s greatest joys. She played a very active role in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives. Judy was always attending their sport events, Girl Scout banquets, and school plays. Judy enjoyed having her grandchildren and great-grandchildren over for weekend sleepovers. She doted over her grands and great-grands. Judy always carried pictures of them in her wallet. One of Judy’s favorite things was when her children or grandchildren would bring over her favorite treats – McDonald’s hamburger, fries, and a small coke, any kind of donut, and her all time favorite snack, Sno-Balls.

Judy was an avid animal lover who had a deep bond with all her pets over the years. She attended Small Animals Day at MSU with her grandchildren and great grandchildren for many years.

Judy was a long time volunteer with the Senior Discovery Group at the Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing, Michigan. Judy also enjoyed spending her free time reading, gardening, and crafting. Judy had a deep love for watercolor painting and Celtic Folk Music. She would regularly attend the East Lansing Folk Festival and Art Fair. Judy always made an effort to go see her favorite local band, Global Village, whenever she had the chance. She was a devoted State fan who really enjoyed attending MSU football games with her family. Judy also loved watching performances at the Wharton Center in East Lansing. She loved gathering with her family especially for the holidays.

She was preceded in death by her parents Winton, Sr., and Gladys Wiltse; her brothers, Michael D. Wiltse, Stanley Wiltse, Douglas Wiltse, and Winton Wiltse, Jr.; grandson, Mitchell Cox; and special sister-in-law, Sandra Fuller.

Judy is survived by her children, James Cox and Ellen Troub, Julie Cox, SFC (Ret) Jeffrey (Jennifer) Cox, and Jeanne (Timothy) Jackson; grandchildren, Vanessa Jackson, Brittany (Augustine) Martinez, Stephanie Jackson, Rachel Jackson, Taylor Cox, Matthew Cox, and Jamison Cox; great-grandchildren, Kandyce, Dallas, Emma, Jonah, Alexander, Niya, Sammy, Ivy, and Kingston; nephew, Michael S. (Sebrina) Wiltse of Texas; special nieces, Michele Mast and Tammy Myers; sister-in-law Jan Clinkscale; special cousins, Marsha Green and Jeri Richard of Florida; special friends, Pat Grasser, Connie & Gordon Swix, the Wagner family, Mary Joan Jackson, her 1st grade teaching partner of more than 12 years, Sharon Kuchar, and many teacher-friends.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 11am at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing. Judy’s family will receive friends and family for visitation on Friday, April 9 from 3pm until 7pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing.