Jane Ann Gordon Cox

Jane Ann Gordon Cox (January 5, 1939–January 30, 2026)

Jane Ann Gordon Cox was born in Miami, Florida. In September 1958, she married Anthony Phillip Cox, and they were married for 41 years until Anthony's passing in 1999. Together they raised two children, Cindy and Phil. Jane cherished her family deeply, and over the years her family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A lifelong lover of learning, Jane invested in knowledge. Even as a young mother, she set aside money to purchase volumes of the Great Books, a large collection of classic literature, despite a tight household budget. In her early 40s, she continued her education and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of West Georgia, embracing intellectual growth and modeling perseverance at any age. Throughout her life she pursued varied careers-from editing medical journals to founding a staffing agency, working in the school system, and contributing to Georgia Tech's graduate studies office-always guided by curiosity, adaptability, and courage.

Jane's commitment to learning extended to her faith, a central part of her life. She spent a lifetime learning, reflecting, and growing in her relationship with God.

Jane was a gifted maker. She sewed clothing for her daughter and herself, ensuring they were dressed with skill and care. Later, she turned to knitting and crocheting, spending time in local yarn shops and creating countless scarves, hats, and handmade gifts, quietly offering warmth and joy to friends, neighbors, and family.

Animals were a constant source of companionship throughout her life. From childhood cats to her beloved dog Millie, who became her steadfast companion after her husband's passing, Jane found comfort, joy, and community in her pets. Walking Millie through downtown Decatur, Georgia, she formed friendships and became part of a small, welcoming circle of fellow pet lovers.

A lifelong gardener, Jane nurtured plants, flowers, and vegetables wherever she lived-from the lush Miami climate of her childhood to a Georgia farm, a subdivision yard, and later a beautifully landscaped condo patio. Gardening, like her other pursuits, reflected her devotion, patience, and quiet attention to life's growth and beauty.

After the death of her husband, Jane embraced a bold and adventurous chapter of life. She purchased an RV and a car to tow, learning the skills necessary for RV travel with Millie. Her journeys along the East Coast, including navigating the streets of downtown New York City and all the way to the coast of Maine, exemplified her bravery, independence, and passion for exploration.

Jane is survived by her two children, Cindy Cox Pendley and Phil Cox; her grandchildren James Pendley, Camille (Matt) Hau, Nicolette (Joel) Harris, and Nathan Doerfler; and her great-grandchildren Anna Hau, Thomas Hau, Natalie Harris, Micah Harris, and Perry Doerfler. She is also survived by her sister, Cathy Gordon, and brother, Steve Gordon, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jane was honored and laid to rest next to her husband, Anthony, on February 2, 2026, at Snellville Historical Cemetery in Snellville, GA.