Laura M. Cox

A beloved, devoted servant and lover of Jesus, transitioned into the fullness of His presence on March 17, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on August 18, 1962, in Belleville, Illinois, while her father was stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Laura grew up to become a remarkable woman of faith and virtue.

After graduating from Stebbins High School, Laura pursued her passion for special education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Bowling Green State University, with a specialization in Autism. It was during her college years that she experienced a transformational step in her already deep faith, receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues in her dorm room.

Laura's life was a testament to her unwavering devotion to God and His work. She was a passionate student of the Word, witnessing to her fellow students and leading them to Christ, sparking a remarkable revival of faith-filled believers on campus. Her special gifts and compassion for children with special needs were evident from a young age, as she dedicated her time to serving at various camps and programs.

Upon graduation in 1984, Laura returned to the Dayton area, where she dedicated her career to teaching in the Northridge, Beavercreek, and Montgomery County school systems, specializing in autistic high school aged and young adults.

It was during her high school years that she met her beloved husband, Brent, as their local American Baptist churches brought their youth groups together for an annual musical performance. Laura and Brent's love blossomed, she married her best friend on August 1, 1987, at the United Christian Center in Dayton, with their cherished Pastor Doris Swartz officiating. Under Pastor Doris's mentorship, Laura received an impartation of wisdom and grace that would help shape her future in ministry.

After the birth of their third son, Aaron, Laura stepped away from her teaching career to focus on raising her family and serving alongside Pastor Doris at the church. She led anointed worship, often with her husband and sons on the team, and played an integral role in all aspects of the ministry, serving as an associate pastor, although no formal title was given.

In 1994, God's providence allowed Brent to start his own business, which enabled the family to be even more involved in ministry, traveling and serving the church. Laura encouraged their sons – Jesse, David, and Aaron – to pursue higher education and experience, with Jesse enlisting in the Air Force, David attending Miami University Oxford and Aaron attending Ohio University and soon after moving to Los Angeles to write, perform and produce music for top artists.

Tragically, in 2012, while visiting Aaron, the family discovered he had cancer, and he passed away just four weeks later. This profound loss was met with God's comforting presence, drawing the family even closer together.

Throughout her life, Laura was a gifted, smart, and insightful advocate for her loved ones, including her eldest brother, James, her brother Daniel, and her father, during their times of sickness and passing. She served them with love, dignity, and unwavering faith.

In her later years, Laura continued to serve the Lord, first as an Elder at Hope Church in Miamisburg, where she and Brent provided invaluable insight and strength to Pastor Darrell Bucher and his wife. When Hope Church merged with Miamisburg Assembly of God in 2019, Laura and Brent purposed to help the new creation assimilate and grow strong as one church body. Laura pursued her ministry credentials through the Assemblies of God, and she was ordained as a minister in May 2024.

Laura's final chapter saw her serving as Connection Pastor and Women's Ministry Director at Miamisburg Assembly of God, leading the prayer team, teaching, speaking, counseling and mentoring others. She heard the Lord's call to become a Lead Pastor, and there was no doubt that she had been divinely designed and prepared for this assignment.

Laura found joy in: traveling, savoring wonderful cuisine, ministering, walking on the beach and just “being” with Brent; celebrating her sons in their accomplishments and in everyday conversations; family gatherings; loving, laughing and enjoying her grands - Camden, Aria and Miles; fishing, followed by a good ol’ fish fry with family; praying for literally anyone; spending time laughing hilariously with her sisters; teaching; singing; cooking in “Laura’s kitchen;” all day “lunches” with dear friends...and then there was cruising!

Laura Marie Cox was a woman of unwavering faith, a virtuous and anointed teacher, a trustworthy friend, a self-sacrificing mother and wife, and a cherished daughter of the Father. Her life was a testament to the power of God's love and the transformative impact of a life fully surrendered to His will.

Laura was preceded in death by her mother Laura M. Greene, father James R. Greene Jr., brothers James R. Greene Esq III (Jackie), Daniel Greene and son Aaron Michael Cox. Well loved by her best friend and husband Brent D. Cox, sons Jesse (Maggie) and David, grandchildren Camden, Aria and Miles, sisters Arlene Ruffin and Z. Denise Greene and brothers, Joseph (Andrea), Andrew (Stephanie) and Philip (Jennifer Towns); nieces Imani Perkins (Tim), Rachel Greene, Jasmine Solis (Mario), Aryonna Greene, Tarah Curp and nephews Julian Ruffin, Andrew Greene Jr., Jared Ruffin, Jordan Greene, Joshua Greene, Isaiah Greene, Nathan Greene, Elijah Greene and Hayden Greene.