Bettye Jo “BJ” (Lewis) Cox

Bettye Jo “BJ” (Lewis) Cox, 89, of Midland, Texas, entered into the presence of her Lord on October 22, 2026.  She was born in Wichita Falls, TX on August 13, 1937, to George Washington Lewis and Minnie Maybelle (Vaughan) Lewis.  She was the 10^th of 11 children born to George and Minnie.  She spent her early childhood in Wichita Falls before moving to Wister, Oklahoma in 1950 where she attended Wister High School.  She was a Drum Major and played trombone in the Wister High School band.  She was also a member of the girls’ basketball team which won the 1955 Oklahoma State Women’s Basketball Championship.  She returned to Wichita Falls in 1955 where she met and married Ernest Cox on August 13, 1955.

In 1960, the young family relocated to Midland when Ernest, then a bookkeeper, relocated with FWA Drilling Company to open a new office.  After settling in Midland, they joined and became active members of First Baptist Church.  Bettye Jo (BJ to those who knew her) was active as a Girl Scout leader, a Cub Scout Den Mother, and the Girls Auxiliary at First Baptist Church.  She and Ernest became Directors of the John Department and served in that capacity for 25 years.  BJ was passionate about ministering to those in difficult and unique circumstances in the John Department; she wanted to make a difference in someone’s life.  In 1974, BJ began working for Forest Oil Company in the Geological Department.  While at Forest she joined the Desk and Derrick Club where she remained a member for nine years.  She chaired multiple committees through the years and in 1989 was voted “Deserving Dame” of the Midland Chapter.  She retired from Forest Oil in 1991 and opened and managed Cox’s Decorator Fabrics for six years. BJ loved decorating and continued decorating after closing the fabric store.  She enjoyed golf, needle work, and the “Red Hat Society”.  Bettye Jo was predeceased by all 10 of her brothers and sisters.  She is survived by her children Janice Cox Hayes, Ricky Cox, and Sandra Cox Harwell.  Bettye Jo was known as “Gramma” to seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, between 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral home.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at First Baptist Church Chapel at 11:00 am.  A private family burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benevolence Fund or Family Assistance Fund at First Baptist Church of Midland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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