Illa Jean Cox

Illa Jean Cox passed away at the home of her daughter on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Born in Jasper, VA, she has lived in Maryland most of her life. She worked for Bethesda Naval Base for many years and then for 20 years with Sam’s Club. Illa loved flowering, bird watching, and her dogs Lee and Kody.

She was preceded by her mom, Lily Manness; husband, Bobby Cox; and stepson, Robert Cox and his wife Penny.

Illa is survived by her daughter, Kathy Wissinger and husband Mark; granddaughter, Brandi Shelley and husband George; two great-grandchildren, Athena and Kora; two stepsons, Jeffrey Cox and wife Denise and Steven Cox; stepdaughter, Sandy Rogers and husband Keith Sr.; step grandchildren, Robert Cox, Jr., Jimmy Cox, Amanda and Jeff Jr., Keith Jr., and Justin Roger; step-grandchild, Maryahna Gill; brother, Wiliam Manness; sister, Velma Bishop; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be at 12 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Hamlett-Dobson Memorial Park. Friends may come view from 10:30am till 11:30am Friday in the chapel of Hamlett-Dobson, Blountville.