Betty Jean Cox

Born in 1940, in Middlesboro, Kentucky to the late Ralph and Helen Langston Lockey, her family moved to Havelock, NC in 1942. Off and on for the past 80 years Betty has called Havelock home. She graduated from Havelock High School in 1958. She married Donald Cox, and they began their life of 59 years together. During years of service in the USMC, they lived in several different locations throughout the country.

Betty has been a member of the First Methodist Church of Havelock for more than 75 years. She served on many boards and committees during that time and is one of the oldest members of the congregation. Betty had several careers in her lifetime with the longest being a Civil Service Employee on board Marine Air Station Cherry Point, while serving as a hospital administrator and supply clerk. After retiring Betty thoroughly enjoyed working with Jim and Cindy Polo at Dermatology Associates of Coastal Carolina and has always considered them close friends. Betty worked with the Elections Board in several Eastern North Carolina cities for a decade or longer.

Betty was always active in the community. She served on many committees and boards. She participated in many fundraisers that benefited various community organizations. She loved the annual Chili Festival, Fourth of July Celebration and standing in the highway median collecting money for her girls to go to the National Softball Tournament. Betty was an avid bowler for more than 60 years. She held positions on boards and travelled the country to bowl at national events. Betty easily made friends at every stage of her life. Some of the best ones were made during card games, at bunco tables, in bingo venues or during a friendly game of Yahtzee. She loved a competition and was always ready for the next game.

One of Betty’s life-long dreams came true in 2018 when she moved to the beach. She has always wanted a place at the beach and moving there gave her peace. She would always say, “driving across that bridge to the island warms my soul.” She made more friends on the island, and she calls several of them members of her family.

Betty is survived by her two daughters, Liz, Mona (Abe); special nieces Nancy and Cindy; granddaughter Hallie Grace; adopted sons Scott and Dwayne; many cousins and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and her husband.

A funeral service will be held November 1, 2026, at 3pm at First Methodist Church of Havelock. There will be a visitation held in the Sanctuary at the church at 2pm before the service. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer’s Association, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or any foundation you support.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Betty Jean Cox.