Dortha J. Brown Cox

Dortha Jean Brown Cox was born on February 25, 1955, in Greenwood, Mississippi, the first of seven

children born to Ivory and Mary Brown. She accepted Christ at an early age and attended Greenwood Pub-

lic Schools, where she excelled academically and showed an early love for learning.

While attending McLaurin/McNeese Elementary School, Dortha’s outstanding academic achievements led

her to participate in school plays. She was also an active member of the Brownie Troop for several years. In

junior high, she explored extracurricular activities, including playing the clarinet—where she became first

chair in the band—and running track as a hurdler. During high school, following school integration in

Greenwood, Dortha, focused on academics and graduated one year early from Greenwood High School in

1972. She also enjoyed roller skating with her friends at the local skating rink on Sunday nights.

Dortha had a bright, bubbly personality, a beautiful smile, and a contagious laugh. She loved telling jokes,

learning new skills, and doing things with her hands-sewing, upholstering furniture, laying tile, and painting.

A natural bargain hunter, she enjoyed collecting treasures from thrift shops and could talk for hours with

anyone lucky enough to listen.

In 1972, Dortha attended Jackson State College (now Jackson State University), majoring in Biology. There

She met the love of her life, Arthur “Peter” James Cox. Her college friends affectionately nicknamed

her “Giggles” because of her radiant smile and soft laugh, a name later shortened to “Gig”, which became

her lifelong nickname.

After earning her degree, Dortha began a fulfilling career with the State of Mississippi, working in various

agencies until her retirement in June 2022.

On April 11, 1981, after a long courtship, Dortha married Arthur “Peter” Cox. To this union, two beloved

sons were born: Denard and Jarvus. Motherhood was her greatest joy; she nurtured, encouraged, and

protected her sons with unconditional love. That joy multiplied with the arrival of her grandson,s Dean, Jace,

and Camden, whom she adored and loved to spoil at every opportunity.

Dortha made her peaceful transition on Friday, October 31, 2025, at home with Arthur.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ivory Ernest Brown, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Arthur “Peter” Cox of Jackson; sons, Denard T. Cox of

The Woodlands, TX, and Jarvus L. Cox (Crystal) of Prosper, TX; her devoted mother, Mary Lee Biddle Brown;

Sisters Debra Brown Estes (Howard) of TX, Mary Elois Brown Henry (Paul) of Greenwood, Janet Rena

Brown and Dutches Coryette Brown, both of Atlanta; brothers Kenneth Lewis Brown (Rosemary) of Jackson,

and Ivory Ernest Brown, Jr. of Jackson; Sister-in-law Jackie Cox Austin of Jackson; brothers-in-laws Derome

Cox of Memphis, Duane Cox (Dornice) of Atlanta, and Dewey Cox of Tupelo, along with a host of nieces,

nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and one great-great nephew.

Her love, laughter, and light will live on in all who knew her.