She was born on July 8, 1923, in Cecilia, Kentucky, to the late Dwight E. and Cora Margarett (Morrison) Large. Known affectionately throughout her life as Brooks, she was one of seven children raised on a farm in rural Kentucky. She attended a one-room schoolhouse then continued her education, graduating with a degree in education from Campbellsville College in Kentucky. While at college, she met her husband, Wilbert, and they married in 1944. When Wilbert returned from his service in the military, they moved north and began a wonderful life raising their five children. Brooks taught for many years, both full-time and more often, substitute teaching, at various Richland County schools. She was a “mom” to everyone, and her children’s friends said she was the nicest mother on the street.
Growing up in a small community with a large family, Brooks valued friendship as well as family. She had the ability to connect with people who were not only her age but much younger or older. Brooks had a gift for making people feel comfortable and accepted. Imagine the many changes she experienced over her 102 years of life. Learning remained important to Brooks throughout her life, and she was an avid reader and Scrabble player up until her passing. She was a member of Westwood Alliance Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. Brooks gave her time and talents to the community volunteering as a poll worker in local elections for over 20 years and was a member of the Welcome Wagon. Brooks’s legacy of the love of family, community and lifelong learning will be cherished by everyone whose life she touched.
She is survived by four children, Gary Cox of Lexington, OH, Donna Cox of Whitefish, MT, Gina (Ernie) Bandy of Mansfield, OH, and Mark Cox (Donna Palmer) of Fredericktown, OH; six grandchildren, Matthew (Der) Miller, Ben (Deena) Miller, Brent Popadych, Kristyn (Matt) McKenna, Maeve Crotty and Mason Cox; and four great-grandchildren.
Brooks was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert L. Cox in 2005; parents; daughter, Joy Cox Hunt; and all six of her siblings.
The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 am on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Doyle Peyton officiating. She will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park beside her husband.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westwood Alliance Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.
