Loretta D. Cox

Loretta D. Cox, our loving Mother, Granny, and Great Granny, passed away Monday, December 29, 2025, in Manor Court Nursing Home of Carbondale after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Loretta was born on July 5, 1925, in Makanda, IL to Henry Alonzo (Lonnie) Hancock and Pearl (Connett) Hancock. She married David Lee Dixon on October 6, 1942, in Cape Girardeau, MO. David preceded Loretta in death in 1987. She married Harold B. Cox on September 20, 1990. Harold preceded her in death in 2005. Also preceding her in death are two grandchildren, Keith Nelson in 2019, and Sherry Nelson in 2025.

She is survived by her children, Elaine Nelson of Kell, IL, Michael (Helen) Dixon of Carbondale, IL, and Beverly (Stan) Robbins of Carbondale, IL, stepchildren Harold L. Cox of Carbondale and Cheryl (Bob) Hughey of Carbondale, eight grandchildren, and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Loretta was a stay-at-home Mom and homemaker. Besides taking care of three kids and keeping house, she enjoyed quilting, crocheting and embroidery. She was an excellent seamstress and made a lot of clothing for the kids as they grew up. She was also an excellent cook and over the years it was her house that her extended family enjoyed many, many meals.

Loretta was active in and attended Grace Methodist Church in Carbondale for many years. Most recently she attended Boskydell Baptist Church.

Services for Loretta will be held at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale, IL on Monday, January 5. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 10:00. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Stephen Combs officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Makanda, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Boskydell Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Loretta, visit www.meredithfh.com.