Mildred Parrish Cox

AUBURNDALE - Mildred Parrish Cox, affectionately known to her family as “Meme,” passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, at the age of 86, surrounded by her beloved family. A resident of Auburndale, Florida for over 50 years, Meme was born on March 25, 1938, in Pansey, Alabama, to George Emmitt and Susan Estelle (Crosby) Parrish. Growing up on a farm in Alabama, Meme’s early years were filled with the values that would define her life: hard work, love of family, and deep faith. These early experiences shaped her into the woman who would later become the nurturing, selfless figure we all knew and loved. Faith and family were the hallmarks of her existence, and her life was a testament to the power of love and family. She married Veldon Deleon Cox, known lovingly as “Papaw,” and together they created a home that was always open, always warm, and always filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals. Meme was the Paula Deen of our family, mastering recipes passed down through generations and sharing them with us in her cherished “Five Generations Cookbook.” This cookbook, which includes a special handwritten message to each of us, is more than just a collection of recipes—it is a legacy of love that will continue to nourish our family for generations to come. Meme was not just a wife, mother, grandmother, or great-grandmother; she was the heart and soul of our family, the matriarch who gracefully carried the torch after her own mother, Estelle Parrish, passed away at the age of 100 in 2016. Meme inherited not just the role, but the spirit and essence of what it meant to be the cornerstone of a family. In a large, tightly knit family, the role of matriarch is not chosen but bestowed through a lifetime of love, sacrifice, and dedication. Meme embodied these qualities with grace, and her impact on our lives is immeasurable.Her home was a haven where love and laughter flourished, and her influence extended through generations, shaping the values and traditions that bind our family together. Holidays at Meme’s house were the highlight of the year. The warmth of her home, the joy of her cooking, and the love she poured into every gathering made these moments unforgettable. She never could hold back tears just before serving holiday dinners, overwhelmed with gratitude for the family gathered around her table and fond memories of those who were no longer with us. She was so filled with love in those special moments that it just poured out of her (literally). Those tears, which are now our own with her passing, became a cherished tradition in themselves. Meme was a protector, confidante, and best friend. She had an indescribable aura about her – her presence was just comforting. When speaking with you about anything, she had a magical way of making you feel like the most important person in the world. She made each of us feel like we were her favorite. Of course, if we ever strayed, nothing more than the raise of her eyebrow would set us right. Unlike her recipes, Meme takes this skill with her to the grave—alas, although we’ve all tried, it never works on our own children. Meme’s love extended beyond her immediate family. She was a beloved neighbor and friend, always ready with a plate of food to share or a kind word to offer. Her gentle spirit and boundless generosity left an enduring mark on all who knew her. She was never shy about sharing her love and welcomed all into her home with open arms. She was passionate about genealogy, dedicating countless hours to tracing her family’s roots, and her research connected us to our heritage in profound ways. She loved sitting in her living room telling us her latest findings in genealogy. Her dedication to preserving the family’s heritage was a gift to us and future generations. Through her tireless efforts, she ensured that her family’s history and values were celebrated and remembered. She taught us the importance of staying connected to our roots, of cherishing the simple pleasures in life, and of loving each other fiercely. Meme was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Veldon Cox, her brother George Parrish, and her son-in-law Henry Nellums. She is survived by her devoted family: her brother Joe Parrish of Auburndale, Florida, her two daughters Yvonne C. Nellums of Pensacola, Florida, and Joyce Ann Sweeting (Charles) of Cantonment, Florida, and her son Jeffrey Lee Cox (Sheila) of Lakeland, Florida. Meme also leaves behind a legacy of love in her grandchildren: Michelle Rath, Kristen (Eric) Micali, Matthew (Kelsey) Nellums, Tiffany (Kelly) Fazzini, Amanda Cox, Nichole Sweeting (Orbin Albritton), Daniel Sweeting (Kel Booker), and Jessica Sweeting (Larry Lewis). She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Bryce King, Brody Ragsdale, Andrew Nellums, Lane Bologna, Alayna Grace Grantham, and Ean Fazzini and Conner Fazzini. Meme’s passing leaves a void in our hearts that will never be filled, but her legacy will live on in the love she instilled in each of us, in the traditions she kept alive, and in the countless memories we will cherish forever. We will miss her laughter, her wisdom, and the way she made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. As we gather to honor her memory, we are reminded of the words she lived by: “Family isn’t just an important thing, it’s everything.” Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM on Thursday, September 5th, at Kersey Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 3:00 PM. A graveside service and interment will follow at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 6th, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, where Meme will be laid to rest beside her beloved Papaw. Meme, we are forever grateful for the love you gave us, the lessons you taught us, and the memories we’ll carry with us always. Your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know you. We love you, and we will miss you dearly.“I don’t know what else to say except she was my heart.” Love ya Meme.