Doris Lee (Anderson) Cox, 78, a woman of extraordinary strength, quiet courage, and unwavering love, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday January 23rd. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a living example of resilience, grace, and faith.

Born and raised in the rolling hills of West Virginia, Doris grew up in a coal mining family where hard work was not a choice, but a way of life. When the laws changed and women were finally allowed to work underground, Doris became one of the first women hired to work in the coal mines. In a world defined by danger and grit, she showed up every day with determination, humility, and an unbreakable spirit. From  the coal mines to the Cotton MIlls and factories,Doris made many friends over the years. She didn't just break barriers — she carried them with quiet strength.

Doris was known for her warmth, her humor, and her deep compassion for others. She was the kind of woman who gave without needing recognition, who carried hardship with dignity, and who loved without limits. Her faith never flickered, even in the darkest seasons of her life. She endured loss with courage, responsibility with grace, and life itself with a steady heart and open hands.

Doris is the author of a new book, "Black Diamonds and Grit." Doris wrote the book over the course of 30 years, outlining her life as a single parent, working in the underground coal mines of West Virginia. Doris shares hard truths about relationships, faith, love and loss as well as the hardships and joys of life.

She was preceded in death by her husband Don E. Cox, her father, Sidney Robinson Ayers and her Mother, Curlen Elizabeth Gertrude Ayers, Three brothers, Eugene Ayers, James Albert Ayers (Jay) and Dean Sidney Ayers, one sister Virginia Gertrude James. (Jenny) and a son-in-law, Michael Joseph Weiss of Missouri.

Above all, Doris was a devoted mother who loved fiercely. She is survived by her four daughters: Diana Weiss; Sonda Sheffey and her husband Kenneth; Wanda Vaught and Patrick Farmer; and Curlen Melinda and Gregory Richter.  Her Children were the greatest pride of her life and the center of her world. She is also survived by her brother Donald Robinson Ayers and his wife Gwen of Ivanhoe, Va.

Doris is further survived by her ten cherished grandchildren:
Gary Lee Weiss and Primrose Dee Weiss;Tonya Leigh Moore and Cody Alan Moore;Holly Danielle Sell and Chris Sell;
Candace Brooklyn Ayers and Seth Ayers;Matthew Todd Edwards and Brittney Edwards;
Christopher Ryan Martinson;
Mikayla LeighAnn Prost and David Prost;
Taylor Renee Weiss and Sawyer Weiss;
Matilynn LaRhea Weiss and John Amini;
Tyler Joseph Weiss and Kelly Elle Weiss.

She was blessed with a beautiful legacy of great-grandchildren, including:
Cole Jamieson Weiss;Paityn Leigh-Rose Weiss;Mykenzie Taylor Vaughan;Bryleigh Isabella Edwards;Kileigh Shae Sell;Lyndsey Grace Sell;Presley Rose Sell;Brooklynn Page Ayers;Matilynn Danielle Ayers;Seth Hascle Ayers;Trevor Matthew Edwards;Eleanor Angela Edwards;Chandler Lee Prost;Copeland Michael Prost;Chloe LaRhea Prost;Bennett Thomas Weiss;Sofia Lyla Weiss;Hailey Noelle Weiss;and Aiden Joseph Weiss.
She is also survived by several nieces, and nephews, friends Jim and Martha Bellizzi, Bobby Johnson and Marie Doss and was deeply loved by her loyal companion, her beloved dog Conway, who brought her comfort, companionship, and daily joy.

Doris devoted her life to her family. She was the steady presence in every season — the woman who held everything together quietly, who showed up when it mattered most, and who loved in ways that changed lives. Her legacy is not only found in the stories she told, but in the daughters she raised, the generations she shaped, and the love she poured into this world.

Though her physical presence is gone, her spirit remains in every act of kindness, every moment of courage, and every life she touched.

She was our rock.Our example.Our home. And she will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be Held at the Mt. Olivet Church in Fries, Va on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 2:pm in the afternoon with Pastors, Gary and Tina Frazier, Rev. Darlene Marshall and Rev Gleasanna Dixon Officiating. A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Newman Cemetery, River Hill Road, Galax, Virginia 24333.

"Out of Clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." Albert Einstein