Shirley Cox

Shirley Cox, 90, of Woodbury, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at Independence Village of Carmel (in Carmel, IN – where she had relocated to).

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the funeral chapel. The burial will follow at Mullen Cemetery in rural Montrose.

Shirley was born on January 5, 1936, in Montrose, Illinois, to Lona and Jane (Shafer) Starwalt. She married William H. "Bill" Cox, on January 7, 1956, beginning a marriage of nearly 58 years filled with love, devotion, and family. Bill preceded her in death in 2014.

Shirley enjoyed staying active and connected with her community. She loved spending time at the Toledo Life Center - especially on Bingo days, sharing a meal at the Filling Station, and relaxing on the patio at the farm. 

She found her greatest happiness being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than watching them grow and thrive through the years.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Shirley believed wholeheartedly in the Lord. Her faith was a source of strength throughout her life and brought her comfort in every season.

She is survived by her sons, Brad Cox and Bryan (Marcia) Cox; her grandchildren, Ashley (Nate) Barker, Nathan (Michelle) Cox, Adam (Latifa) Cox, and Jodi Cox; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Leighton, Owen, Peyton, and Graham Barker; Logan and Liam Cox; and Aden Cox.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill; infant son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Rita Cox; her parents; her brothers, Stanley, Leonard, Delbert, and Rex Starwalt; and her sisters, Neva, Ruth, and Ruby.

Memorials may be made to Jewett Community Church.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Cox, please visit our floral store.