Obituary published on Legacy.com by Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Niles on Nov. 21, 2025.
Missy Diane Marie Cox, 71, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and cherished friend, peacefully transitioned from this life on November 14th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Missy Diane was born on September 15, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, to Abraham Moore and Carolyn Cochran. She was the eldest of seven children, lovingly embracing her role as the big sister and was also known as "Number 1" by her siblings. She found Christ at an early age and was a guiding light in her family's spiritual journey, playing a pivotal role in leading her mother and other loved ones to Christ. Her devotion and example left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Missy Diane grew up and was educated in Chicago, Illinois, graduating from Finger High School in 1973. Diane married Ervin Lawrence Cox Sr. in 1973, and they had five children: Stephanie, Jermaine, Ervin Jr. "Pookie", Dionne "DeeDee", and Tina. Together, they built a beautiful family and later settled in Buchanan, Michigan, where they shared many wonderful years until Lawrence's passing on March 28, 2022. They were married for 48 loving years, and we all know she truly loved her some L.C.
Missy Diane's love and compassion for people led her into the CNA profession, where she faithfully served for more than 20 years. She had a special heart for elderly individuals, always offering a helping hand and treating each person with dignity and respect. In 1997, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, yet she continued to work and care for others until she was no longer able. She faced her illness with remarkable grace, strength, and dignity. Even on her hardest days, she never complained, trusting God to carry her through.
Missy Diane was a member of Mount Zion COGIC for many years under the leadership of Pastor Melton "Papa" Burton, Supt. James Herron, and currently Supt. Hayes Taylor. She brought her children to church at an early age and trained them in the way that they should go. She loved the Lord with all her heart and placed her full faith and trust in God. Her unwavering faith and sweet spirit carried her through every trial, and her life was a testament to God's sustaining power. One of her favorite songs to listen to was "This Morning When I Rose," a testimony of her steadfast faith and her assurance in the Lord-she truly had no doubt.
Missy Diane was very family oriented and very fond of her grandchildren. She had a unique and special connection with all of them. She had a sweet spirit and an undeniable love for life's simple joys-especially her favorite treats and an ice-cold Pepsi. She shined with a gentle, radiant spirit-never missing a birthday, always reaching out with a call that lifted hearts. Her love was a blessing, leaving behind a legacy of light and encouragement that continues to guide and inspire us.
Missy Diane's memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of her loving children, one son, Jermaine Cox Sr. of Buchanan, Michigan, three daughters, Stephanie Moore(Marc Pride) of Buchanan, Michigan, Dionne(James) Lockett of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Tina Cox(Jamal Cashier) of Buchanan, Michigan; bonus daughter, Nakeeyva Davis of
Niles, Michigan; five sisters, Sheila (Bruce) Brown of
Niles, Michigan, Sherry Woods of Calumet City, Indiana, Debra Moore of Columbus, Ohio, Lori Jefferson of Chicago, Illinois, and Stacey Jefferson of Springfield, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Leesa Johnson Cox of Chicago, Illinois; one brother-in-law, Carl Cox of South Bend, Indiana; eleven grandchildren, Jermaine Cox Jr., Antjuan, Christalyn (who took very good care of her granny), Tremaine, Jada, Justyce, Kynnedi, Jazlyn, Rose, Zoey, and Faith; four great grandchildren, Braylen, Braxton, Easton, and Nina, and special friends, Sis. Lillian Patterson, Mother Martha Wakes, Ruthie Mayo, and Gladys Slaughter. She will also be deeply missed by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
In addition to her parents, Missy Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin Cox Sr; son, Ervin Cox Jr; brother, Robert Moore Sr; sisters-in-law, Christy Cox and Gloria Jean Raimey, and brothers-in-law, Edward Cox, Eddie Lee Cox Sr., Leon Woods, and Wayne Meeter.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
Visitation for Missy Diane will be on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 11:00am to 12:00pm with a Funeral Service to be held at 12:00pm at Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, 1102 N Redbud Trail, Buchanan, Michigan 49107. Burial will immediately follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 818 Terre Coupe St. Buchanan, Michigan 49107.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.
Photos, condolences, and memories may be shared with Diane's family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
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