RICHLANDS  -  Janet Kennedy Cox, 88, formerly of Richlands, NC passed away peacefully, the Wednesday morning, November 13, 2024 at her Belhaven, NC home. Her daughters and grandchildren were with her in her final days.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at First Baptist Church, Richlands.  Graveside committal services will be follow at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.

Mrs. Cox was born February 26, 1936, in Potters Hill to Paul W. Kennedy and Ruth Wilkins Kennedy. She married James Felix Cox of Richlands in 1954, and they shared over 50 years together prior to his passing in 2011. They raised two daughters, Pam Casey (Lee) and Gail Moretz (David) and were joyfully involved in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Like any good southern woman, Janet shared her love through food. She kept a garden that would be daunting to the most avid of green thumbs. One could not cross the threshold of her home without being offered food within minutes. Domestic evenings following a meal that had you loosening your belt, often included sitting around with beans to snap, corn to shuck, or pecans to shell. She had an open door, open arms, and an open heart for her friends, family, and neighbors. She devoted her life to the care of her community, working as a secretary at Richlands Elementary School for 26 years, being involved at First Baptist Church of Richlands, Hominy Swamp Community Association, camping with friends and feeding/visiting friends and neighbors. In recent years, as her health declined, Janet moved to live with her daughter, Gail, in Belhaven, where she enjoyed a quiet life on the Pamlico River and added to her circle of friends. We will miss her greatly and cherish memories of her when we gather around a table for good food and fellowship with those we hold dear.

She is survived by her daughters, PamCasey (Lee) and Gail Moretz (David). Grandchildren: Matt Casey (Ashley), Alexa Dixon, Hunter Casey (Heather), Jillian Ford (Chris), Step granddaughters - Erin Garner (Ben), Heather Baldwin (Rusty), and Lauren Moretz. One brother, Ward Kennedy.  Great-grandchildren whom she adored: Amelia, Micah, Ezra, Daphne, Aidan, and Will. Nieces and nephews aplenty.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, immediately following the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to:  St. Jude, Salvation Army, Samaritan's Purse, or a charity of your choosing.