Erika Cox

Erika Cox, 89, of West Point, Virginia, passed away August 7, 2025. Erika Leopoldine Renate Ruth Grass was born on June 23, 1936, in Komotau, Bohemia (Czecho-Slovakian Republic) to parents Julius and Hilda. After relocating and growing up in Germany, she worked in the hospitality business in Heidelberg. When a friend convinced her to go on a blind date, she agreed and met her future husband, a soldier in the U.S. Army, Elsie N. Cox. In a short time, they were married and had their first and only daughter, Rebecca. After returning to the states, they resided in Asheboro, North Carolina, and had four sons, Steven, Stuart, Clifford, and Clinton. Several years later they moved to West Point, Virginia, for a job opportunity at the paper mill. Erika was a devoted wife and mother; she was an avid gardener, and a wonderful baker whose holiday cookies were enjoyed by many! When the children were grown, she returned to work outside of the home at the Chesapeake Corporation Wellness Center. Erika was preceded in death by her brother, Heinz Grass, and her stepbrother, Ditmar Aurich. She is survived by her husband of 67 years; her five children; sister-in-law, Patti Grass; half-brother, Peter Grass and wife Gudrun; daughter-in-law, Dorothy; son-in-law, Wesley; and her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Douglas.