Leona Martin Cox, 1927–2021

MATADOR—Leona Martin Cox, a lifelong resident of Matador, Texas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 27, 2021. She was 94 years old.

Leona was born October 26, 1927, in Motley County, Texas, to Curtis Martin and Ethel Martin. After graduating from high school in Matador and attending Texas Technological College in Lubbock, she married L.M. Cox on June 7th, 1947. The couple made a home in Matador.

Leona was a member of Matador United Methodist Church. Leona had a passion for cooking and golf. A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she made her family her true life’s work. She was a fantastic cook, a loving Christ-follower, an Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers fan, and a true matriarch in every sense of the word.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, longtime rancher/farmer L.M. Cox; her son, Donald Quinten Cox; her husband, Ellis Terry; and her brother, Curtis Ewell Martin. She is survived by her sister Joy Archer and Joy’s husband, Leo, of Matador; son Ronnie Cox and wife, Shelley, of Matador; daughter-in-law Dee Cox Gregory of Georgetown, Texas; and four grandchildren, Ron Cox and wife, Lauren, of Lubbock, Texas, Shawn Reding and husband, Greg, of Sanger, Texas, Cory Miller and husband, Justin, of Canyon, Texas, and Cary Edwards and husband, Wes, of Canyon. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate her life at 10 a.m. on December 31, 2021, at East Mound Cemetery in Matador. Friends who would prefer a memorial other than flowers are encouraged to make a donation to the Motley County Senior Citizens Center or East Mound Cemetery Association.