Linda Holt Cox

Linda Holt Cox, age 80, most recently of Hurtsboro, AL, died peacefully on the evening of June 6, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 11, 1945, in Pulaski, Tennessee, to the late Hattie Mae Smith Holt and John May Holt. After graduating high school at Decatur High School, she received her undergraduate degree from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. She married the love of her life James (Jim) Marvin Cox, Jr. on September 15, 1963, and they enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 61 years with three children, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Linda was a remarkable woman of faith, committed to her family, and with a vision and mission for changing the world for Jesus Christ that permeated every aspect of her life. We will miss her, but we will celebrate the woman she was, the impact she had on everyone she encountered, and her peace in the presence of her King.

Simply put, our mother was an incredible woman and her life was a testimony to her faith. After coming to Christ in her early twenties, she was singular in purpose to advance the Kingdom through her words and actions and she never wavered. Surrendering her life for Him, she served with dad – leading students on college campuses, moving her family to Kenya, working in Rwanda and Bulgaria, and leaving the suburbs behind to reach the heart of Birmingham. In everything, she carried forth her life with mission and purpose, serving others, and sharing her faith. Her impact was global, but always personal. She had a genuine love for others and possessed a remarkable desire and ability to connect with people – from her best friends to a server at a restaurant – she made you feel like you were the only person in the world, genuinely interested in your story, listening intently to every detail, asking questions, and praying for you. She was an avid writer and the author of two books, an entrepreneur, a businesswoman, a leader, and a prayer warrior.

Every day she filled our home with beauty, engaged with us about the big and small issues of life, and instilled in us a love of creativity and rich conversations. She was at the same time philosophical and playful; funny and entrepreneurial. She gave us a heart for those far beyond our front door, inviting anyone in need into our home and encouraging us to engage in the world. She loved our dad, and their relationship was an example, showing us what love, commitment, patience, and friendship look like in a marriage. 

She leaves behind a remarkable legacy that touched the lives of so many people around the world. In us, she leaves behind the aspiration to be more like her, to live boldly in our faith, to see others as she did, and to connect on a deeper level. She talked in the months before her death of planting a seed; we see that seed growing in each of us individually and as a family, closer knit than ever before. Thank you, mom. We will love you and miss you dearly, but we rejoice in your healing, your peace, and your worship at the throne of our King. 

Linda is survived by her husband James Marvin Cox, Jr.; her daughter Kelli (Scott) Sasser; her sons John (Amy) Cox and Daniel (Sue Ellen) Cox; her grandchildren Christopher Sasser, Anna Grace (Nicholas) Christian, Sophie Sasser, and Jackson Sasser; and her great grandchild Sage James Christian.  She is preceded in death by her half brother William Flournoy Holt, her mother Hattie Mae Smith Holt and her father John May Holt. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, at 1:00 pm at the Hurtsboro Methodist Church. Visitation will be in the sanctuary beginning at 12:00 pm. There will be a short reception following the service at the Sasser/Cox home. Flowers or gifts in memorial may be sent to Hurtsboro Methodist Church, 609 Church St., P.O. Box 215, Hurtsboro, AL 36860.