Lavinia Merle Bethea Cox passed away on May 3, 2025 at her home in Latta, South Carolina, surrounded by her children. A service of thanksgiving to God for her life will be held on Monday, May 5, at Latta Methodist Church at 4:00 p.m. with the Reverends Matthew Scott and Paul Gasque officiating. Interment will be at Magnolia Cemetery following the service. The family will receive friends from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Cox home with Kannaday Funeral Home assisting.
Merle was born on August 28, 1927, the youngest daughter of Wallace Carlisle Bethea and Lavinia Merle Smoak Bethea of Orangeburg, SC. She was happily married to the late Marsden Haigh Cox, Junior for over 49 years.
Merle attended Orangeburg County Schools and graduated from Winthrop College. At Winthrop, Merle was Senior Class President, Senior Order, and May Court where she was May Queen. Ater graduation, Merle worked in Orangeburg at radio station WRNO. She met her future husband at The Carolina Cup. They were married two years later.
A devoted and fun mother of four, Merle was a Boy Scout leader, Girl Scout Leader, former member of Latta Methodist Church’s Pastor-Parish Committee, former member of the church’s handbell choir, and member of the Josephine Stackhouse Circle. She was also a former docent at the Dillon County Museum. Merle was a 50-year member of the Thursday Afternoon Bridge Club. She enjoyed exercising with her exercise group at the Dillon Wellness Center where she loved being with old friends and making new friends. She also loved taking her children crabbing at Pawleys Island and The Dunes and spending time at Myrtle Beach for decades with her family.
Merle was an avid animal lover. Many a rescued cat came to be a part of the Cox household along with her collie, Caesar. She also loved working in her gardens and air layering plants from around the state to transplant in her yard. There are many seedlings in her children’s yards, especially camellias, that started under Merle’s care. She grew plum trees and apple trees and turned the produce into jellies and spreads to the delight of many.
Merle was loved by all who knew her, and her eight grandchildren especially appreciated her keen intellect and her ability to discuss any subject with an open mind. Her confidence in her Christian faith was evident in her life and the way she reared her children.
Merle and Marsden were longtime University of South Carolina Gamecocks fans. After Marsden’s passing, Merle maintained her membership in the Gamecock Club for a total of 79 years. She was honored as the “Legendary Fan of the Game” at the Carolina-Kentucky Men’s basketball game on January 22, 2011.
The Cox family wishes to thank her caregivers Anna Bethea and Brenda Mayo for their 7 ½ years of love, care, and attention given to “Mrs. Cox.” Their dedication allowed Merle to happily remain in her home until her passing.
In addition to her husband and parents, Merle was predeceased by her sisters, Lillian Rembert and Lynda Borden. She is survived by her four children, Marsden Haigh Cox (Mary, who was like her fourth daughter), Lavinia Merle Cox, Sarah Cox Dickert, and Adelaide Cox McMaster, Bill; her eight grandchildren, Kristen Cox, Marty Cox, Leslie Dickert Anderson, Jay Dickert, Lacy Harrison, Will Harrison, Creighton McMaster, and Ashleigh McMaster; and four great-grandchildren, Emery Lesesne Anderson, Milledge Anderson, Marty Cox, and Will Cox.
Memorials may be made to her church:
Latta Methodist Church
306 North Marion Street
Latta, South Carolina 29565
IN MEMORIAM: Lavinia Merle Bethea Cox
